Ex-Sunderland boss Steve Bruce receives MASSIVE injury boost ahead of Newcastle United FA Cup clash

Ritchie has been out since August after a horror challenge in the League Cup by Hamza Choudhury smashed his ankle.

But on the eve of the Magpies’ FA Cup third round trip to Rochdale, Bruce has revealed Ritchie is likely to be back this weekend.

“Ritchie is training, if he gets through OK, he will take part on the bench,” said Bruce.

“We haven't seen Matt Ritchie all season – he will be like a new player for me. He is lively, bubbly, a big personality in the dressing room. I hope, touch wood, he is OK. It has been a long road and is due a run of games. He has trained and you see what you have missed.”