[kennethlindheim]

Emre was back in training today after being given compassionate leave by Newcastle United. The little midfielder has been back in Turkey having treatment for a groin injury sustained in training the day before the Wigan Athletic match.

But his return to Newcastle was delayed by the death and consequent funeral of his grandmother back in Turkey.

Caretaker boss Glenn Roeder told me today: "Emre is a proper professional and he has kept us informed all the way about what is happening.

"The rest of our first-team squad are off today, but he will be in for a spot of work and I will be disappointed if he is not with us when we go to the Midlands on Friday afternoon."

Roeder is also monitoring the way Michael Owen trains this week, and the England striker is likely to be involved somewhere along the line at St Andrews on Saturday against Birmingham City.

Roeder also has Steven Taylor available again, but while he wants his England Under-21 defender to get in some action before the end of the season, it is hard to see where he can fit him in against Birmingham or Chelsea.