Three key men set for derby comeback

Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini and Tim Krul could all feature for Newcastle in the derby at Sunderland after returning to training.

The trio have all handed Magpies boss Alan Pardew a boost ahead of Sunday's big Wear-Tyne clash and are all in contention to start at the Stadium of Light after making good recoveries from injury. Coloccini (hamstring), Taylor (calf) and Krul (elbow) have all been out in recent weeks but, provided they prove their fitness in training before the game, they could all be back in the starting line-up. Coloccini and Taylor are the first-choice central defensive partnership so James Perch and Mike Williamson could drop to the bench for the derby. Krul's return, meanwhile, is also a boost for Pardew as he is fit again after suffering an injury while on international duty last month and the Dutchman is expected to replace Steve Harper between the posts. Cheik Tiote, Demba Ba and Papiss Demba Cisse are also all back on Tyneside following the abandonment of the African Cup of Nations qualifier between Senegal and Ivory Coast, which was marred by a riot and all should feature.