Danny Simpson confident Newcastle United will cope in his absence

Danny Simpson: Says Newcastle have a strong enough squad to cover for absentees

Newcastle United right-back Danny Simpson believes the squad is strong enough to cover for injuries to key players.

Simpson is facing a spell on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in last weekend's draw against Aston Villa, and Alan Pardew must decide who to bring in for the trip to Everton next time out.

Vurnon Anita could move back from midfield, while James Tavernier is another option after performing well in pre-season.

Simpson has no worries about the Magpies coping in his absence, insisting everyone in the squad will have a role to play as the season unfolds.

"That's the whole point of having a squad - you can't have the same 11 playing every game of the season," he told the club's official website.

"The gaffer has said that is why he strengthened the squad over the summer.

"It may be young Tav, who has been around the first team for a while now and has shown in pre-season what he can do.

"Sometimes you need a chance like this to step in and try to do a good job.

"Or it could be Vurnon, who has been playing centre-midfield but can do a job at right-back and left-back as well.

"He's come in and slotted in straight away wherever he has played.

"With all the games we've got coming up, with the Europa League on top of everything else, it's good that we've got players who are quite versatile."