Shearer hoping returning Viduka can make his Mark in Magpies’ survival bid

NEWCASTLE boss Alan Shearer is preparing for the return of one key striker after clearing the air with another as a desperate scrap for survival gathers pace.

Shearer could have vastly-experienced Australia international Mark Viduka at his disposal for the first time for Sunday’s trip to Tottenham. Indeed, his strike-force could be boosted further if Nigerian counterpart Obafemi Martins manages to shake off the groin injury which sidelined him at Stoke at the last minute last weekend and earned him a visit to the manager’s office.

That would be a major bonus for the Magpies and rekindle memories of last season, when then boss Kevin Keegan fielded the pair alongside skipper Michael Owen in a three-pronged attack which ultimately fired the club to safety.