Newcastle United 'hopeful' Jack Colback will play against Southampton

Newcastle United are reportedly hopeful that Jack Colback will feature against Southampton this Saturday, despite suffering a calf injury while on international duty.

The 24-year-old was forced to drop out of the England squad for matches against Norway and Switzerland having only just received his first senior call-up.

Despite the injury blow, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is expecting Colback to be available for this weekend's trip to St Mary's, according to The Shields Gazette.

Colback moved to St James' Park from local rivals Sunderland on a free transfer in the summer.