The Australia striker will be included in Kevin Keegan's squad for Saturday's crucial relegation fight with Blackburn Rovers at St James' Park but was left out against Manchester United because of a series of niggling injuries.

However, the Daily Mail says Viduka was keen to be involved against the Premier League champions and trained on his own on the day before the match.

Keegan has not taken to Viduka since he succeeded Sam Allardyce and has opted in the main for the unsuccessful combination of Michael Owen and Alan Smith.

He will listen to offers for Viduka in the summer, when it is expected the former Middlesbrough and Celtic forward could move abroad.