Double boost for Magpies

Gutierrez and Beye set to return

Last updated: 9th October 2008

Double boost for Magpies

Guitierrez: Set to return

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Newcastle expect to welcome back Jonas Gutierrez and Habib Beye for their Premier League clash with Manchester City.

Argentina international Gutierrez has been sidelined after cracking his collar bone while on international duty in October, while Beye is now over his Achilles injury.

Interim Magpies manager Joe Kinnear will be on the touchline for the first time at St James' Park on 20th October as he looks to build on the 2-2 draw against Everton last time out.

With domestic action taking a back seat during the current international break, Kinnear is delighted to have the chance to work closely with a number of his new charges.

Confidence

The Irishman told the Northern Echo: "Habib Beye and Jonas Gutierrez should both be fit for the Manchester City game and that will give us a big lift because they are quality additions.

"Gutierrez should have his first training session with me on Friday and the good thing is I'm going to have 10 days to work with him before the next game because it's on the Monday night.

"I'm not having to rush him into the first team and he will benefit from the training he is able to do during this international break.

"That is going to help the player as well because it will give him confidence. It's one thing being fit enough to play, but you need that time in training as well as it will get him back into the fray in terms of taking a tackle and being dumped on his backside."

Great asset

Gutierrez made an instant impact in the North East following his summer switch from Real Mallorca and Kinnear is looking forward to having the tricky winger back in the fold.

He said: "I've seen him play plenty of times in Spain and I know he will be a great asset.

"I've spoken to Chris Hughton and he has told me he is a tremendous athlete, he is extremely fit and he is a hard worker for the team."