Key Duo Remain Doubts

By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Influential pair Cheik Tiote and Steven Taylor remain doubtful for Monday night's game at Stoke after the pair were both injured in last weekend's win over Wigan.

Tiote suffered a knee injury while Taylor broke his nose, and although both heroically played on as United won 1-0, they missed the Carling Cup defeat at Blackburn.

Midfield enforcer Tiote did not take part in Friday's open training session at St. James' Park, while Taylor wore a mask to protect his face and Alan Pardew revealed that both players could be missing for the trip to the Britannia.

That would be a big blow for United, as both have been ever-presents in the team's unbeaten start to the Barclays Premier League campaign - particularly with Shola Ameobi already sidelined against the club he played for on loan in 2008.

"Cheik and Steven are both doubtful for this one," confirmed Pardew. "Shola is out, which in this particular game is a blow to us because of his height and his presence. Outside of them, everybody's fine."

Taylor might, however, play with his protective mask - just as Ameobi did last season when he battled on with a fractured cheekbone.

Pardew admitted: "I think that depends on training in the next couple of days, if he's comfortable with it.

"I think Steven will play, but I don't think it'll go unnoticed by Stoke. He'll come in for a bit of attention and he'll have to head a few with a few bodies around him.

"But he's big enough and strong enough to hold up to that. He's not the best looking boy so there's not much to worry about."