Newcastle United caretaker manager Chris Hughton is expecting injury-prone winger Damien Duff and striker Obafemi Martins to feature in their Premiership game at West Ham United on Saturday.

The Republic of Ireland international Duff has been out since August 23 due to a knee injury, while Nigeria international striker Obafemi Martins had a groin problem.

“Duffers is making good progress and we will be disappointed if we don’t have him with us at West Ham," said Hughton.

"The closest at the moment would probably be Martins and we're hopeful of having him and Damien back.

"They would be the closest, and we are not expecting Alan Smith or Mark Viduka back."

The Toon are hoping for the double boost to lift the morale at the Tyneside club as they currently find themselves with just four points from as many games and without a manager after Kevin Keegan left soon after the close of transfer window. Owner Mike Ashley has put the club for sale, while Toon fans have protested the handling of the club affairs by the owner.