Strike duo fit for Newcastle

11 February 2011 10:00
Newcastle strikers Leon Best and Nile Ranger will be fit to take their places in the squad for the Barclays Premier League trip to Blackburn. Best withdrew from the Republic of Ireland squad with a tight hamstring, while Ranger did not report for duty with England Under-20s because of a back problem, but both will be available at Ewood Park. They will be joined in the squad by new recruit Shefki Kuqi, who signed a short-term deal in Friday, while Shola Ameobi hopes to return from a fractured cheekbone in as little as three weeks' time after being fitted for a protective mask. Central defender Steven Taylor will return to training after a hamstring injury on Monday, while loan signing Stephen Ireland continues his recovery from the knee problem he picked up while with Aston Villa.

Source: PA