Sale are ‘‘reasonably hopeful’’ that England star Jason Robinson will make his comeback from injury in Sunday’s Zurich Premiership clash at Newcastle.

Kieron Dyer finally put an end to his injury nightmare as he returned to action in Newcastle’s hard-fought win at his former club Ipswich and declared: ‘‘It’s great to be back.’’

Former England captain Alan Shearer is to visit a specialist on Friday as he steps up his bid to return to Premiership action.