Simpson to face Cardiff
Danny Simpson is set for his first appearance as a fully-fledged Newcastle United player against Cardiff City at home tonight.
Simpson suffered a recurrence of an ankle problem before his loan move was made permanent last month, and the right-back has sat out the club's last five games.
However, Simpson is back in Chris Hughton's squad, and itching to get on with the rest of his career.
The 23-year-old had four loan clubs before he arrived at St James's Park, and having ended his loan association with Manchester United, Hughton is looking forward to Simpson fulfilling his potential with Newcastle.
"He can focus on his future – he earned his right to be here," said Hughton.
"Danny's very enthusiastic, and he wanted to sign. He's now where he wants to be. He has to grow and develop into this team.
"He knew what he had here, and he has played games. Some come on loan and don't play, but we allowed him regular first team football."
Hughton also welcomes back Shola Ameobi from a shoulder injury, but the striker isn't guaranteed a start at St James's Park, where United remain unbeaten, with new signing Leon Best also competing for a place in his team.
"We've got seven games over a three-week period, and we're going to need all the bodies at hand," said Hughton.
"With so many games coming up we have to look at where we are going to get points from, and there's no better team to get them off then Cardiff."
Defender Steven Taylor will not be taking part and is facing two-month spell on the sidelines.
Up to now, Hughton has been reluctant to put any kind of timescale on Taylor's return from the knee injury he suffered against West Bromwich Albion last month.
However, Hughton – who signed Fitz Hall on loan with lengthy absence in mind – has now admitted the influential 24-year-old will be out for months, not weeks, though he has allayed initial fears the problem could end the former England Under-21 international's season.
And Hughton hasn't ruled out an earlier return for the centre-half.
"Tayls is probably out for a two month period, but we hope it is less than that," declared Hughton.
"We hope it's less than that, it'll be about his reaction to the healing process, but it's a big blow for us."
Meanwhile, left-back Jose Enrique is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Hughton went on: "Jose will hopefully be a matter of weeks."
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Weather for Sunderland
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Heavy sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
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