The Reds' £35million record signing missed the 5-0 win over Birmingham with a knee injury but will be keen to recover in time to face his hometown club - whom he left in January - at Anfield this weekend.

Dalglish was guarded on the England international's current state of fitness but stressed they would not take a risk if he was not 100%.

"It's only Thursday and there's a few days to go yet," said the Scot.

"I don't think nature knows it is Newcastle so if he's not fit, he's not fit.

"For Andy it is a poignant game but if he's not fit we can't do anything about that."