Newcastle defender Aaron Hughes has been ruled out for three weeks because of hamstring trouble. And that could give new French signing Sylvain Distin the chance to claim a first team place.

Distin, signed from Paris St Germain on a year's loan for £500,000, is desperate to clinch a permanent move to Tyneside.

The 23-year-old defender will be on the bench at least at West Ham on Sunday. He could even make his full Premiership debut if boss Bobby Robson opts to pick him ahead of Andy O'Brien.

Hughes missed the win over Manchester United and won't play until next month. That would have been a crippling blow last season but Newcastle now have strength in reserve.

Distin, a former clubmate of new Toon hero Laurent Robert, got some vital match practice in a 2-1 reserve team win at Middlesbrough on Wednesday night. Rob admitted: "I liked what I saw."

What appears clear is that there is no place in Robson's thinking for Spanish misfit Marcelino, who didn't even make the squad for the now-famous clash with the champions.

Robson's interest in Bruges central defender Nzelo Lembi could also be cooling. Robson has run at least two checks on £4m-rated Lembi but has given no indication that he's preparing to pounce for the Congo international.

"He's just one of a number of players we are looking at," said the Newcastle manager.

Robert Lee meanwhile should be fit to face his boyhood heroes as Newcastle bid to stretch their unbeaten run to 14 games.

l FIFA have confirmed a 3pm kick-off time for England's decisive World Cup final group qualifying game against Greece next month at Old Trafford.

The Football Association had lobbied for an afternoon game on October 6 in the belief it would help travelling arrangements for supporters and improve security.

However, the German FA asked for an evening kick-off for their own qualifier against Finland the same day, with television companies apparently believing they could thereby gain higher ratings for a prime-time slot.

Under FIFA rules to ensure fair play, both final group games must start at the same time, with England needing to beat Greece to secure their place in the finals.

FIFA last week agreed on 4.30pm kick-off times only to move them to 3pm yesterday after further consultations had taken place.

FA spokesman Adrian Bevington said: ''Our view is that 3pm is the usual match-day kick-off on a Saturday."