Ameobi to face Black Cats

Ameobi: Set to be fit for Sunderland game

Newcastle United striker Shola Amoebi is expected to be fit to start Sunday's Wear-Tyne derby against Sunderland.

Ameobi has missed the Magpies' last two games with an ankle injury, but is likely to join Jose Enrique and Jonas Gutierrez in returning to the squad for the game at the Stadium of Light.

Long-serving forward Amoebi scored twice in the 5-1 thrashing of the Black Cats back in October and manager Alan Pardew is looking forward to having the 29-year-old in his squad.

Fellow frontman Andy Carroll returned from Dubai on Wednesday, although no decision has yet been taken on whether or not his thigh injury has recovered enough to be risked on Wearside.

Positive

"The injury news is looking positive for us and we should have some important players back," Pardew told The Journal.

"Shola Ameobi should be fit now, Jonas will be fine and Jose Enrique should be available too.

"It will be a boost to have Shola back. He is going to train on Friday and that is what we are working towards at the moment - although there is a couple of days' work to be done there."

Pardew could also have Dan Gosling at his disposal for the first time after the 20-year-old finally pulled on a black and white shirt in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Wednesday on his return from a long-term knee injury.

The manager said: "The other positive for us is that Dan Gosling came back and he is certainly looking good.

"I couldn't really use him over Christmas without getting some minutes under his belt, but he's given me something to think about."