By Akin Odejayi
November 21 2003

Thankfully is the type of problem every manager craves for, as three major players return from injury layoffs. Thankfully is the type of problem every manager craves for, as three major players return from injury.It is just relief for the Magpies who are still licking their wounds following their 5-0 mauling at the hands of Chelsea two weeks ago.

Manager Bobby Robson will thus be buoyed by the availability of Jonathan Woodgate, Kieron Dyer and Alan Shearer for the game at St James Park.

However it is at the back that Robson faces his toughest selection poser.

With Woodgate fit again, and incumbent centre-backs Titus Bramble and Andy O’Brien showing solid form, it will be difficult to decide who to leave out.

“Jonathan is a class act and any team would welcome him back,” said Robson. “But I have got a difficult decision to make in regards to Titus and Andy now he is fit again.

“I think it is fair to say that we have got real competition in that position now and that can only be good for the club.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Darren Ambrose is happy to have Dyer back in the reckoning.

“It is really good to see Kieron back as there has been something missing from us the past few weeks,” said Ambrose.

“It looks like he will be okay for the Manchester City game and hopefully we can get the right result.