By Craig Hope

CHRIS Hughton has hinted that he will refrain from throwing Shola Ameobi back in against Swansea City on Saturday after the striker's first full week of training following a foot layoff.

The 28-year-old was last seen during the 4-3 win over Huddersfield Town in the Carling Cup back in August having started the season in blistering scoring form with five goals from as many matches.

And, while Hughton admits that Ameobi will probably be knocking on his manager's door asking to be involved against The Swans, the Toon chief admits that the game will probably come too soon for the Nigerian-born hitman.

"It's likely that the game will come too soon for Shola," explained Hughton in an interview with nufcTV.

"We'll make our mind up over the next couple of days but we're fortunate that we're on a good run at the moment and there's not that pressure to bring him back.

"It's important that we make the right decision. It's more important to have a fit Shola for the rest of the season.

"But he's had a good week of training and I'm sure he'll be asking me to be involved."