Toon Players Queuing Up For Two Positions!
Last updated : 17 February 2009 By Footy Mad - Editor
The trio have been absent for much of the season and the timing is so important to Chris Hughton, with the Magpies 13th in the Barclays Premier League but just four points above the relegation zone.
Viduka has been limited to five appearances all season by an Achilles problem, Martins has been out since mid-December with a hernia, while England international Smith has had foot and ankle problems and has not featured this term.
Chris Hughton: "Oba Martins, Alan Smith and Mark Viduka will all be fit to make an impact in the run-in and that's a good boost for us.
"It's very important to have them back in the frame. It's immensely beneficial to us - they could be very important for us in the coming weeks.
"The group of lads we've got, they'll look around them and see senior, quality and experienced players with them.
"Even if they are not quite up to full fitness, the lift they give the rest of the lads is obvious.
"Alan Smith has played in two friendlies and will play in the next one, while Oba will have had some training under his belt by the time of the next match."