Magpies duo ruled out

Newcastle duo Damien Duff and Shola Ameobi will miss the trip to Middlesbrough through injury.

Duff has a groin strain and will not make the clash at the Riverside while Ameobi was left on crutches after suffering an ankle problem during training on Thursday.

Ameobi was involved in a heavy challenge from Obafemi Martins and is set for a spell on the sidelines.

The Magpies' lengthy injury list also include fellow striker Mark Viduka and midfielders Alan Smith and Joey Barton.

Defender Steven Taylor has also been out for the last few games.