Dyer to make comeback

Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer is in line for a return to action tonight after almost two months on the sidelines.

The 25-year-old has not played since tearing a hamstring in the 2-0 UEFA Cup victory over Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin on September 16, but is included in a 16-man party for the reserve team fixture at Bolton.

Dyer returned to full training last week and it was hoped that he might be fit enough to be included in the squad for yesterday’s Barclays Premiership clash with Fulham.

The England midfielder was injured in manager Graeme Souness’ first game in charge, and has had little chance to impress the Scot or win back the favour of the fans after his refusal to play out of position at Middlesbrough on the opening day of the season.

Dyer is the most senior of a handful of first-team players in the squad for tonight’s game, with Tony Caig, Martin Brittain, Steven Taylor and Peter Ramage also on duty.