STEVE BRUCE is ready to stick with Newcastle United’s three attacking imports in a bid to collect another much-needed three points this weekend – even though Matt Ritchie is set to return.

The Scotland international has not played for the last two months because of ankle ligament damage sustained in a tackle from Hamza Choudhury during the Magpies’ Carabao Cup defeat to Leicester City.

Ritchie has returned to training with the first team squad along with defender Florian Lejeune and is keen to be tested on the Premier League stage against Wolves on Sunday.

He has worked hard to make his comeback and his return will be a welcome boost to manager Steve Bruce, whose side dropped back into the relegation zone after losing at Chelsea on Saturday.

Lejeune will not be risked against Wolves but he is closing in on his own comeback after being given the all clear following knee surgery. He is a fortnight away from making an appearance for the first time since he was stretchered off against Crystal Palace last April.

Ritchie’s work-rate and endeavour has been missed this season and he will provide an alternative option down the left, and right if required.

Bruce is considering ways to mix his attack up given the lack of chances created, with Newcastle recording the least amount of shots on target than any other team in the division.

The Newcastle boss is desperate for £21m buy Miguel Almiron to find the magic touch in the final third, knowing the former Atlanta United playmaker is still to record an assist or goal since arriving from Major League Soccer.

Almiron is expected to retain his place against Wolves along with Allan Saint-Maximim and Joelinton, despite Bruce needing to find a way to solve Newcastle’s scoring problems. That trio has scored just once between them this season.

As well as Ritchie, the Newcastle head coach also has the options of playing Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle from the start to mix things up.

Jetro Willems, the side’s Dutch international, is confident Newcastle are on the right track despite losing at Chelsea and falling back into the relegation zone.

“We are all positive,” said Willems. “We did well defensively in our last game and were unlucky to lose. It's important we do well in our home games and I believe we are now in good shape.”