By Craig Hope

CHRIS Hughton has confirmed that Shola Ameobi is edging closer to a return from his hamstring layoff with the striker expected back in full training by the end of the week.

The 28-year-old's season has been curtailed by a series of injury problems with foot surgery in September having kept him sidelined for three months.

But the eight-goal hitman is due back on the training field on Thursday and could yet have a say during United's promotion run-in.

Boss Hughton said: "It's a big bonus to have Shola back with the group and we expect him to return to training on Thursday.

"We won't rush him because our strikers are in good form, but it's great to have him back and he still has time to play a part during these last six or seven weeks or so."