Coloccini to be rested as Championship leaders Newcastle take on Cardiff

Coloccini: Out of Newcastle's clash with CardiffFabricio Coloccini is out of Newcastle's clash with Cardiff City tonight.The Argentina international is being rested after finally succumbing to a hamstring injury which has been troubling him for several weeks.His absence means new signing Fitz Hall makes his debut for the club.Coloccini has been a virtual ever-present all season but his loss isa blow for manager Chris Hughton, who is already without Coloccini'sfirst-choice partner Steven Taylor for several months.But Hall was signed on loan from Queen's Park Rangers as defensivecover because the Newcastle boss was aware the centre-back needed arest shortly to see him through the remainder of Newcastle Championshipcharge.Fellow new signing Leon Best is also set to make his first start forNewcastle as Hughton ponders which partner to use for the £2 millionRepublic of Ireland international.Andy Carroll, Shola Ameobi, Nile Ranger and Peter Lovenkrands are allfighting for the right to play alongside Best in his first game at StJames's Park as the new addition from Coventry looks to improve on hiscurrent run of one goal in the last 10 games. Denmark international Lovenkrands, back from attending his father's funeral in the last fortnight, is favourite to start the game against Cardiff, who include former Newcastle striker Michael Chopra, who has never scored at St James'. Newcastle striker Best turns down the chance to wear iconic No 9 shirtNORTHERN EXPOSURE: The old Bhoys network at Middlesbrough could finally shatter the myth that Celtic could dominate English football  

Source: Daily_Mail