The striker made a goalscoring comeback against Coventry on Wednesday after three months on the sidelines and will hope to continue that form in tomorrow's Coca-Cola Championship fixture at Barnsley.

And Hughton, who saw his striker net five times before he picked up a foot injury, told www.nufc.co.uk: "What you have got with Shola is not only a good target man who is strong and good in the air, but he's also a terrific finisher.

"He's also a strong character and I'm delighted to have him back after what have been a difficult few months.

"He was flying when he got injured so, if we're taking positives, maybe he will be a little bit fresher and able to recapture that form as we go into Christmas and the new year."

With second-placed West Brom not playing crisis club QPR until Monday, Newcastle could be 10 points clear at the top by the time the Baggies take the field.

They will face a side under the temporary leadership of Steve Gallen and Marc Bircham following manager Jim Magilton's suspension following an alleged confrontation with midfielder Akos Buzsaky after Monday's defeat by Watford.

That win left the Hornets within a point of the play-off places and they will look to push onwards when they host Derby tomorrow.

Elsewhere, fourth-placed Nottingham Forest will put their unbeaten away record, the only one left in the Football League, on the line at Paulo Sousa's Swansea, who are just a point and a place behind their opponents.

Forest goalkeeper Lee Camp told BBC Radio Nottingham: "Having known Paulo Sousa from QPR, I'm sure it'll be a completely different game again.

"He believes in playing football, he's a big believer in passing the ball and playing the game in the right way. These are the games you want to play in."

Sheffield Wednesday boss Brian Laws will again be under pressure as he takes his side to Leicester, while Steel City rivals United host Crystal Palace, who smashed four past Reading on Tuesday.

The Royals will go for just their second home win of the season when they welcome Scunthorpe to the Madejski Stadium, while Bristol City travel to Doncaster.

Bottom three Peterborough, Plymouth and Ipswich face Coventry, Preston and Blackpool respectively.

Former England striker Paul Mariner will be in charge of the Pilgrims after a management reshuffle at Home Park which saw former Paul Sturrock given a business-support role.

Sunday's game sees third-placed Cardiff travel to struggling Middlesbrough, who are without a home win since Gordon Strachan took charge.