Double boost for Big Sam

Sam Allardyce's injury worries could be eased by the return of two key first team players ahead of this weekend's trip to Newcastle.

The Hammers boss spoke of his concerns following last weekend's goalless draw against league champions Manchester City, a game in which he lost two more players to injury - defenders James Tomkins and James Collins.

That left him without six players following earlier injuries to Jack Collison, Ricardo Vaz Te, Matthew Taylor and Guy Demel - the equivalent of one quarter of his existing first team squad.

However Big Sam's fears could be assuaged somewhat by the impending return of Matt Taylor and James Tomkins.

The former, who last played in the 3-1 home defeat against Arsenal on October 6th is back in full training having recovered from injury and hoping to be involved against Newcastle this weekend - although will almost certainly have to settle for a place on the bench, at best.

Meanwhile Tomkins, who sustained a groin strain in training last Friday morning and subsequently failed a late fitness test ahead of the Manchester City match is set to be declared fit to play this weekend according to club Chairman David Gold.

When asked about the seriousness of the Basildon-born defender's injury via Twitter earlier this week, Gold replied: "He should be okay for Saturday."

James Collins, who tweaked a hamstring in the closing stages of Saturday's draw with the Citizens underwent a scan on Sunday to determine the extent of his injury.