Viduka has seven goals to his name so far this campaign, yet going into the game he expressed a little frustration at how his injury-hit season, which has included calf, hamstring and foot problems, has panned out.

He told the Chronicle: "I've scored goals in patches, but that's because I've played in patches.

"I haven't played as much as I would like.

"Even at times when I was fit under Big Sam, I didn't play.

"I'd play three games then be out, and then on the bench for three games. "But now I'm getting the games as well."

Viduka's presence as one of Newcastle's three big hitters in attack has played a huge part in the turnaround at St James's Park.

He added: "It was a relief to score against Fulham and Reading just to get on the scoresheet. "But to get goals is extra special."