DARYL MURPHY is fit to face Wigan Athletic even if Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez seems set to hand the experienced striker a role on the bench anyway.

The Republic of Ireland international, who started the last league match at Birmingham, had to withdraw from the international squad after suffering a calf problem.

There were real fears he could be missing for the next two home matches against Wigan on Saturday and then against Burton on Wednesday.

After coming through training unscathed, he will be monitored again closely on Friday, but he is expected to be in the mix for the visit of the Latics on Saturday afternoon.

Benitez has turned to the Irishman in recent months ahead of Aleksandar Mitrovic, while leading scorer Dwight Gayle missed a chunk of the campaign with hamstring trouble.

But it is hoped the international break has provided the extra rest Gayle required to shrug off any lingering doubts and he is the likeliest starter to face Wigan.

Newcastle are looking to end these next two home dates with the victories that should give the push for promotion to the Premier League a real surge.

They are already a point clear at the top of the Championship and seven ahead of the play-offs, so the two fixtures against sides fighting relegation provide ideal opportunities to increase that gap.

There have also been injury doubts during the international break for defenders Grant Hanley (ankle) and Paul Dummett (heel), plus midfielder Isaac Hayden. The latter’s return to action is a real bonus because he has not played since February 4 and will increase the competition in the middle for Jonjo Shelvey and Jack Colback in particular.

Newcastle are desperate to make an immediate return to the Premier League and successfully achieving that would increase the chances of keeping Benitez even if interest in him grows.

He has been linked with a number of clubs this season and West Ham’s interest resurfaced again this week, even though Slaven Bilic remains in charge at the London Stadium.

Bilic has tried not to think about the talk surrounding his future and is getting on with the job of leading the Hammers despite hearing Benitez’s name mentioned with his job again.

“Personally, my head is clear and I still have a job to do here. I am still very motivated,” said Bilic. "The speculation does not worry me. I am not reading it or making phone calls or whatever.

“Nothing has changed in the past few days. What do you want me to say? I made my comments about it. There is nothing new I can say about it. I just concentrate on my job. I am totally focused on the next game.

“I was saying the same when, for example, earlier in the season we were talking about a new contract. I was not bothered then, when it was positive. Now after three defeats there is speculation. I am not bothered about this. I have a game on Saturday.”

Newcastle are confident they can keep Benitez at St James’ Park this summer after encouraging discussions about potential transfer targets and deals.