Newcastle may have Mark Viduka back in their side for the clash with Sunderland, but Roy Keane has received a boost of his own with the news that Carlos Edwards and Andy Cole could be in contention for starts in the big game. Both Edwards and Cole played in Tuesday’s nights friendly with Wolviston that Sunderland won 8-0. Edwards has been out of action for nearly 2-months with a hamstring injury but played a full hour of the match and got himself on the scoresheet.

“There is no doubt that I do need two or three games before I’m fully match fit again but I do feel I could contribute this weekend if needed, and it is a game I would love to be involved in”, remarked the winger.

Andy Cole meanwhile has suffered with knee problems since signing for the Black Cats. He too notched a goal in Tuesday’s thrashing but like Edwards, seems likely to make the bench at best. However Edwards will be almost certain to be back in Roy Keane’s lineup come December and his return will see a shake-up in midfield with the likes of Wallace, Stokes, Leadbitter and Miller competing for starts alongside him.