John Carver hopeful of Papiss Cisse return

Newcastle United boss John Carver is hopeful that Papiss Cisse will be able to return to action in his side's Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion.

The 29-year-old has missed his team's last seven matches due to suspension after spitting at Manchester United's Jonny Evans back in March, while he has also had minor surgery on his knee.

Carver has revealed that the striker returned to training for the first time this week since his injury, and believes that he has already had a positive effect on the Magpies.

"Papiss trained with us for the first time today and it's great to have him back on the training ground," Carver told the club's official website.

"It was great to see that big smile of his and that enthusiasm again, and you can see everybody else get confidence and a lift from the fact that Papiss is on the pitch and scoring goals in training.

"Let's not get carried away here - he's only trained once with us. Papiss might be available for selection but I will have to see."

Newcastle are 15th in the Premier League ahead of their clash against West Brom, two points clear of the relegation zone.