Callum Wilson is in the best possible shape to finish the season strongly according to Steve Bruce.
The 10-goal top scorer admitted himself this week that he was disappointed not to have more goals to his name with the former AFC Bournemouth man yet to notch since returning from a hamstring injury.
However, with four games left - and two games against sides in the bottom three to come - Wilson is in a good place in the opinion of Bruce.
Bruce said: "He is over his injury which is vitally important.
"He's had 90 minutes under his belt so it's good for him and his mental state that he knows that his hamstring is OK."
Bruce is likely to hand Joe Willock a start after benching the on loan Arsenal youngster in recent times.
The midfielder was in the stands for the 2-0 defeat against his parent club on Sunday at St James' Park but should be back in the starting line-up at the King Power Stadium tonight.
Ahead of the encounter with Leicester City, where Bruce's side were thrashed 5-0 last term, the Toon boss said of Willock: "He came in against Southampton, for his first game, and did very, very well.
"Any young player, they go up and down a little bit, but certainly he’s been knocking on the door. Of course he has.
"He’s had a terrific time for us – four goals from midfield in nine or ten games, he’s been great.
"Knocking on the door is the polite way to put it."
