Viduka returns to playing field

Qantas Socceroo striker Mark Viduka has made his long awaited comeback to the playing field for Newcastle United, playing 25 minutes against his former club Middlesbrough.

Qantas Socceroo striker Mark Viduka has made his long awaited comeback to the playing field for Newcastle United, playing 25 minutes against his former club Middlesbrough.

It was Viduka-s first appearance for the Magpies in six months after struggling with a career-threatening Achilles injury.

Despite his obvious rustiness, he twice came close to getting his name on the scoresheet and what would have been a fairytale comeback winning goal at the death.

However the fans reaction to his coming on was not exactly warm, with Newcastle supporters disapproving of who he was replacing in Obafemi Martins, who was till then Newcastle-s most potent attacking weapon.

The former Leeds United and Middlesbrough striker was denied soon after coming on by a point-blank block and in injury time his snap-shot was well held by Boro keeper Ross Turnbull.

Viduka, will continue to be eased back into action, as he regains fitness after his lengthy spell on the sidelines, but there is no doubt his return is good news for both Newcastle and Australia.