Viduka set for six-month lay-off

Newcastle striker Mark Viduka has flown to Australia for a scan on his injured Achilles and could be out of action for six months if surgery is required.

Viduka, 32 has not played this season and has been out of action since May.

Interim boss Joe Kinnear said: "There is a chance he may need surgery, if that is the case we will be without him for six months."

The Australian international joined Newcastle on a free transfer from Middlesbrough in June 2007.

He played 21 times for Newcastle last season, scoring seven times.

The former Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Celtic striker picked up the injury towards the end of last season, and it was hoped that surgery would be avoided.

"Mark Viduka has had one scan on his injury, but he wanted a second opinion and so too did our medical people. That is why he has gone back to Australia," Kinnear told the Newcastle Chronicle.