Newcastle United have been handed a welcome boost with the news that Isaac Hayden looks set to return to full fitness after the international break.
Injury problems have been mounting at the Magpies’ Benton training base in recent weeks, but midfielder Hayden is back in training and looks set to be in contention for a start against Wigan Athletic on Saturday week.
The England Under-21 international - who celebrated his 22nd birthday on Wednesday - has not featured since the league leaders’ victory over Derby County on February 4 after undergoing ankle surgery last month.
Jonjo Shelvey and Jack Colback started eight successive matches together in defensive-midfield in Hayden’s absence, before illness saw the former left on the bench for the goalless draw at Birmingham City.