ADAM Campbell has made a quicker-than-expected recovery from injury – and could be unleashed on Bordeaux tonight.
The Newcastle United striker wasn’t expected to make his comeback from a knee problem until the New Year.
But the teenager returned to training ahead of schedule, and he travelled to France yesterday as part of manager Alan Pardew’s 20-man squad for club’s final Europa League group stage game.
And Pardew could hand Campbell a place on his bench at the Stade Chaban-Delmas.
“The medical team have done an absolutely brilliant job with Adam,” Pardew told the Gazette.
“He’s come back, and he looks absolutely fine. That’s a bit of a boost for everybody.
“His enthusiasm for the game will spread around the camp. It’s nice to have him in and around us again.”
The 17-year-old – who became the youngest-ever player to represent Newcastle in Europe when he made his club debut against Atromitos in August – suffered the injury in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Sunderland in October.
Meanwhile, Pardew has confirmed Nile Ranger will make his first in two and a half years against Bordeaux.
The striker, 21, has come in from the cold at the club after improving his discipline off the field and application on the pitch.
Pardew said: “Nile will start. I think he’s probably the story of the last two or three months in terms of a positive.
“He’s been out of the papers, he’s been on time for the last eight to ten weeks and he’s put in application on the training ground.
“If you stick to the rules and put the (work) ethic in, I’ll give you a chance.
“That’s all it is for him at the moment – a chance.
“We hope he takes it. We know he’s got talent.”
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