Magpies hope for Ameobi boost

Striker aiming to shake off ankle knock in time to face Hull

Last updated: 12th January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Magpies hope for Ameobi boost

Ameobi: Could be fit

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Newcastle United are hoping Shola Ameobi will be fit to return for Wednesday's FA Cup replay against Hull City.

Ameobi has sat out the Magpies' last two matches after suffering an ankle injury in the 5-1 home defeat by Liverpool.

He is battling to be fit for the midweek third-round replay at home to Hull as Newcastle look for a boost on the striker front.

Nicky Butt is available after suspension, but Newcastle coach Chris Hughton admits the likes of Obafemi Martins and Alan Smith are still a few weeks away from a return.

Tough

"Only Nicky Butt will definitely be back from suspension," Hughton told the club's official website.

"Other than that the nearest we've got is hopefully Shola. But the likes of Martins, Barton and Smith are still probably three weeks away.

"So at the moment we've got to get the most out of what we've got.

"It will be tough again, but I think we'll feel better for the way we finished against West Ham and for having crept up the table a little bit as well."