The Australian has not played for Newcastle since suffering a calf injury in the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in late September.

But he is back in training and will come into contention for a place in the team for the Tyne-Wear derby.

"Mark has trained this week and is available for selection this weekend," Allardyce told the club's official website.

Although Viduka has been out for six weeks, Allardyce will be keen to welcome back the player who was his first signing as Magpies manager.

Viduka has so far scored three goals in six appearances for Newcastle since joining from Middlesbrough in the summer