Wigan wait on Heskey

Wigan boss Steve Bruce is sweating on the fitness of Emile Heskey ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Newcastle.

The England striker, who aggravated a long-standing hamstring problem against Stoke last weekend and missed the midweek Carling Cup defeat at Arsenal, is rated 50-50 to return.

Daniel de Ridder deputised at the Emirates and is standing by to again feature in a five-man midfield, although Bruce could elect for a more attacking line-up and pair Henri Camara up front with top scorer Amr Zaki.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland strained his back at Arsenal but is expected to keep his place at St James’ Park, while skipper Mario Melchiot will also feature despite picking up a knock in the week.

Squad: Kirkland, Kingson, Pollitt, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Scharner, Figueroa, Taylor, Kilbane, De Ridder, Valencia, Palacios, Brown, Cattermole, Koumas, Kapo, Heskey, Zaki, Camara.