'Harewood move suits us all'.

MARTIN O'Neill is convinced Marlon Harewood's imminent loan move to Newcastle will benefit all parties - whenever Toon owner Mike Ashley finally sanctions the deal.

"I think they are waiting to hear whether they have permission from their owner to progress the move,'' he said.

"The opportunity for Marlon, now coming back from injury, to get involved in a cause would be very important and only of benefit for all of us.

"He has been out since preseason with injuries. He is fighting back, is feeling fine.

"It is unfortunate because at this moment we have competition up front."

O'Neill has received positive progress reports on out-ofaction full-backs Luke Young and Wilfred Bouma.

Both players were involved in a private practice match against Coventry on Monday.

Young, who was today attending the funeral of his brother Andre, is close to returning after a thigh problem, while Bouma is nearing fitness following a 14-month lay-off with a dislocated ankle.

Stewart Downing has had an operation to have a pin removed from his fractured foot.

CAPTION(S):

Fit: Marlon Harewood.