Chris Hughton backing his top scorer Kevin Nolan

Feb 16 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

“We do have competition for places, he’s the same as everybody. Nicky Butt will be back soon, Joey Barton will be a bit longer and falls into that category of players I can pick from so we do have options – but resting Kevin (pictured above) hasn’t been a thought.

“He is very much part of the squad and falls into the same selections process as everyone.”

After a pair of unconvincing away displays Newcastle will be looking to make a statement against the Sky Blues tomorrow night.

Although Jose Enrique is missing they will have Jonas Gutierrez back to add dynamism on the wing – and Hughton acknowledges that will be a big boost for a side that struggled to create much on the left flank on Saturday.

“He will be back and he is a big player for us. For the majority of the season he has been part of things and the left flank, with him and Jose, has been exciting to watch,” Hughton said.

With Shola Ameobi and Enrique both out for another fortnight, Gutierrez is the only player on his way back. Steven Taylor remains on track for a return at the end of March while Barton is still a long way off first-team action.

Hughton said: “Joey’s involvement in training has been a bit part. He will join in part of the sessions but not all of them then we will develop it from there.

“We would like to think he can play a part in these lads group of games – but he has to get to fitness first.”

With Enrique’s absence set to run into March, Newcastle may look to extend Patrick van Aanholt’s loan from Chelsea. That, in turn, is complicated by Ashley Cole’s fractured ankle.

“Patrick’s situation is one we will have to assess,” Hughton said.

“We have not spoken to Chelsea. I speak regularly with Frank Arnesen at Chelsea to tell him about Patrick’s displays but we have not spoken about extending it. ”

Meanwhile, Newcastle have re-arranged their game with Reading for April 13 after the Royals’ draw with West Brom in the FA Cup fifth round at the weekend.