Australian striker Mark Viduka is nearing a return from injury and hoping his latest comeback can help spark a flurry of goals in Newcastle’s English Premier League relegation battle.

Viduka, 33, has been back in full training for a week after tearing a groin muscle against Wigan on Boxing Day.

The 2-1 defeat was his first start for the season following three appearances off the bench after an Achilles injury kept him out until November.

But Viduka could be named on Newcastle’s bench for Saturday’s match at West Bromwich Albion.

Last season, under Kevin Keegan, Newcastle went on a seven-match unbeaten run which effectively sealed survival using a 4-3-3 formation.

Viduka is keen to recreate that under Joe Kinnear and hopes he will be at the forefront of the revival with his side sitting 15th, just one point from the drop zone.

“Whether Joe wants to play that formation or not is a totally different thing,” Viduka told the Newcastle Chronicle.

“But the manager’s got a lot of options up front when everyone’s fit, and this team has got goals in it.

“We pulled away from trouble last season when we used that formation and if we can click up front again then hopefully we can do the same this time.”

With Michael Owen (ankle) out for month, Viduka is hoping to win a spot in the team alongside strike partners Alan Smith and Obafemi Martins.

“Last season they couldn’t deal with Oba’s pace, Michael Owen’s goalscoring ability and myself as a target man,” Viduka said.

“We were a threat to many defences and I’d love to repeat some of that.”

Viduka’s lack of games this season has prompted speculation his time with the Magpies might be drawing to a close.

His contract expires in June with the option of an extension.

Meanwhile, compatriot Brad Inman has impressed Newcastle academy manager Richard Money by playing a pivotal role in taking the Magpies’ under-18 side to the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.

“He’s had a particularly good first season,” Money told the Newcastle website.

“A number of our first years have done the same but he’s probably shone above the rest … we like him a lot.”

It’s not just Money who holds the Adelaide-born 17-year-old in high regard.

Midfielder Inman was an unused substitute for Joe Kinnear’s senior team which lost 2-1 to Manchester City in the English Premier League a week ago.

© AAP 2012

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