Smith losing Boro fitness battle
ALAN Smith is losing his battle to be fit for Newcastle United's visit to Middlesbrough.
But boss Chris Hughton is upbeat about his chances of having Wayne Routledge and Jose Enrique available for the Tees-Tyne derby at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.
Smith – who missed last Saturday's 6-1 win over Barnsley with an ankle problem – is almost certainly out of the game.
But Enrique and Routledge returned to training today, and Hughton is hopeful one or both will prove their fitness in time to face Gordon Strachan's side.
Enrique limped off on his comeback against Barnsley after a hamstring injury, but Hughton believes it was no more than a minor setback.
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Routledge, meanwhile, has missed the last three games with a calf problem.
"They're training today, and we'll assess them over the next two days," Hughton told the Gazette.
"They've had very good rehab. Jose played in the last game and felt stiff when he came off.
"It's a judgement call, but Wayne's a very fit lad, and there's no doubt they could both be available. That's what I'll have to decide.
"Wayne's not been out for a long period. He's played almost all season, and his general fitness isn't a problem.
"We just need to make sure he comes through these two days, and that'll be the same with Jose."
Hughton, however, is less confident about Smith, left. He said: "At the moment, he probably won't be available, but he's one we're still assessing."
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley landed at the club's Benton HQ this morning in a helicopter to meet Hughton and the players before Saturday's game.
Meanwhile, Hughton arranged a practice game against Hibernian at the club's Benton HQ on Monday afternoon to give a number of first-team players – including Leon Best, Ryan Taylor and Joey Barton – match practice.
"It was good timing – it was an ideal time," added Hughton.
"Most of the squad have been very involved, but we do have a few individuals who haven't had as much football as others.
"It was good for them to get a game under their belt."
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Monday 21 May 2012
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