French Duo Hand Magpies Boost

By Tom Easterby

French duo Loic Remy and Mathieu Debuchy could be set to hand Newcastle United a big boost ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Swansea City at St. James' Park (3pm kick off).

Both players have returned to full training following respective calf and groin injuries.

On-loan forward Remy, who has 13 league goals to his name this term, has been absent from the United side since scoring in a 4-1 win at Hull City at the start of March.

Full-back Debuchy has also been forced to sit out the six games since the convincing KC Stadium triumph, but the Magpies' manager has confirmed both are in contention for a first team return this weekend.

"We've got three or four back on the training ground this week, which has been good news for us," revealed Pardew, on Thursday afternoon.

"Remy's been training today, and Mathieu Debuchy. Moussa (Sissoko) is back running, so it's better on that front.

"I think it will be a big boost for us in terms of their experience at this level and their quality and it's nice to see them back.

"With the World Cup not far round the corner, it's important that they get the time in now."

However, Pardew would not be drawn on whether or not Remy and Debuchy will line up from the start against Garry Monk's relegation-threatened Swans.

"I'm not sure. We'll have to wait and see on Saturday," he said.