Newcastle have been given a lift with the news that influential midfielder Yohan Cabaye will travel with the squad for the Premier League game against Norwich on Saturday.
Although manager Alan Pardew thinks that Cabaye, 26, won't start the game he hopes the French international will be ready to come off the bench if needed, and play an even bigger role in the trip to Reading a week later.
"The good news is we are taking Cabaye on the bus, which is like signing a new player," Pardew said. "I don't think he's really ready to start, if I'm honest. I think his role will be off the bench, if the situation evolves where we need him.