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Striker set for switch
Newcastle United, 16:40, February 24, 2009 ,
Chris Hughton has hinted that he will try Alan Smith in Newcastle's midfield during Kevin Nolan's three-match suspension.
The caretaker boss admitted the Magpies will miss their Scouse star during his three-match absence after his horror challenge on Everton striker Victor Anichebe.
But Smith could not have timed his comeback from an ankle injury any better and looks set to go straight into the side after one sub appearance against Everton and a few reserve team outings.
Hamstring victim Danny Guthrie is also close to a comeback and Hughton told the Chronicle: "It's three games, and it's a problem for us, but these are the problems you have to overcome.
"Where we're fortunate is that we've got players who have come back from injury.
"The bench was probably as strong, experience-wise, as we've had for some time. In these periods you need that."