Newcastle news: Defender reflects on injury hell, former target's fitness issues, Dwight Gayle compared to Ian Wright

The Australian has had a wretched run of bad luck since injuring his hip playing for Australia in March 2014, an injury which cost him a place at the World Cup that year.

The 23-year-old, signed from Melbourne Heart in 2012, has been playing regularly for Newcastle's Under-23s this season.

And he believes he is now ready to challenge for a place in Rafa Benitez's starting side.

Full story: Newcastle defender reflects on his two-year injury nightmare.It was the 'will he, won't he' saga of the January transfer window for Newcastle. Saido Berahino was seen as the man to fire the Magpies away from the relegation zone by then boss Steve McClaren.

After having a number of bids turned down by West Brom, United's hunt for the 23-year-old striker went cold.

It's fair to say things have not gone well for Berahino since.

And despite looking to be nearing a first-team return the striker has been sent to a conditioning camp in France as he struggles to regain fitness following what he has called a “period of turmoil”.

Full story: Transfer speculation left me in turmoil and depressed, says ex-Newcastle and Spurs target Saido Berahino.Meanwhile, United top-scorer Dwight Gayle has been compared to former Arsenal great Ian Wright by ex-Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair.

Gayle, who has netted 13 goals since his summer switch from Crystal Palace, bagged a brace to see Benitez's men stretch their lead at the top to five points with a win at Leeds on Sunday.

And Sinclair told BBC Radio 5 Live: "He reminds me of Ian Wright. He’s an absolute pest. If you get the ball to him he’ll put the ball in the net.

"He didn’t get the opportunity at Palace but he’s been given the No 9 shirt at Newcastle and he’ll continue to score goals for them."

Elsewhere as well as grabbing the headlines with his contributions on the pitch this weekend, Gayle was subject to a few for his off field antics, too.

And Newcastle's travelling support at Elland Road thought up a new song for their goal hero.

Full story: Newcastle fans sing brilliant new Dwight Gayle song.