Hughton confident over Carroll fitness

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton is confident striker Andy Carroll will have recovered from his back problem in time to lead the line at Manchester United on Monday.

The 21-year-old suffered the injury in the Magpies’ final pre-season friendly against Rangers but has trained this week.

Alan Smith (ankle) is also available but Republic of Irealnd striker Leon Best and defender Danny Simpson are facing spells on the sidelines with similar problems.

Sol Campbell is not match-fit yet and will have to wait for his debut while defender Steven Taylor (shoulder) and new signing Dan Gosling (knee) are long-term absentees.

Team (from): Harper, Coloccini, Enrique, Nolan, Williamson, Barton, Guthrie, Carroll, Routledge, Lovenkrands, Perch, Taylor, Smith, Gutierrez, Xisco, Forster, Ameobi, Krul, Ranger.