Newcastle United's Jamal Lewis ready to return after sitting out World Cup qualifier

The Northern Ireland international missed Thursday night’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Italy in Parma with a groin problem.

However, Lewis, signed by Newcastle United from Norwich City last summer, could return against the USA tomorrow – or in Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria – according to manager Ian Baraclough

Baraclough opted not to “risk” Lewis – who reported for international duty with the problem – in the Italy game. He said: "He hasn't trained, so it's something he's had back at his club, and we knew that coming into this camp."

Lewis, 23, lost his place in Steve Bruce’s starting XI after last month’s 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Paul Dummett – who missed most of last year with a hamstring problem – has started the club’s last three Premier League games.