Source: Daily_Mail
Owen closes in on Newcastle return as Magpies welcome back Butt and Duff
Newcastle [LNB]are confident Nicky Butt and Damien Duff will be fit for Saturday's all-important showdown at Hull City.[LNB]Caretaker boss Chris Hughton's team are looking to end a dreadful run of just one win in his eight in charge when they play their first ever League game at the KC Stadium.[LNB]Newcastle, who lost at home to Phil Brown's side earlier in the season, have been without several key players for the last two month.[LNB] Comeback kids: Damien Duff (left) and Nicky Butt[LNB] But, like Duff and Butt, Michael Owen and Joey Barton are nearing full fitness and Kevin Nolan has just one more game of a three match ban to serve.[LNB]Hughton said: 'Damien and Nicky should be OK for Hull and that is a boost given their experience.[LNB]'Add to that Michael Owen and we have three players who will be very important between now and the end of the season.' Riquelme snubs Newcastle switch to focus on Argentina's World Cup assault[LNB]Returning Owen admits the obvious - Newcastle are in relegation battle[LNB]HATCHET MAN: Taylor made for Newcastle with his latest words of wisdom at the loony Toon[LNB]NEWCASTLE UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB]
