CHARLES N'ZOGBIA has been backed to become one of Newcastle United's leading lights for years to come - meaning £9.5m winger Albert Luque could become an expensive substitute when he returns to action.

N'Zogbia has taken to Premiership life in superb style this season and has ensured that Newcastle have not missed the expensive summer buy too much.

Luque has missed the last nine weeks with a hamstring injury picked up in only his second match for the Magpies, a factor which opened the door for the teenage Frenchman to showcase his talent.

And N'Zogbia has not let anyone down. In fact, despite being just 19, the former Le Havre winger has impressed everyone at the club and big things are expected of him in the future.

Experienced team-mate Lee Clark is one player who has been impressed by the youngster.

"Charles has definitely got a great chance of being a star here for a long, long time," said Clark, who has joined N'Zogbia on a mini-break with the rest of the Newcastle squad in Spain until Sunday.

"He has undoubted talent, as we have seen on numerous occasions already this season. And, like all the top young players, he has immense self-confidence and nothing fazes him. It doesn't matter who he is up against or how big the game is, he takes it all in his stride."

Since his first start for Newcastle in January, when he was steady in the goalless draw at West Brom, N'Zogbia has gone on to prove that he does not hide under the pressure of playing in the Premiership.

But, as well as his raw talent, Clark has also been alerted to the attacking midfielder's attitude and determination to improve on the skills he already possesses.

"He doesn't let a 52,000-strong crowd affect his concentration, it's not a problem to him," said Clark about a player who has scored twice this season.

"His temperament is excellent and that, combined with his ability and a willingness to learn, makes him a valuable asset. He takes on board what the senior players are saying to him and the manager has a great deal of faith in him."

N'Zogbia's displays mean that manager Graeme Souness could face a selection dilemma when Newcastle travel to Chelsea a week on Saturday.

Luque was not part of the 14-man party that flew to Marbella yesterday, instead he will work on trying to regain fitness ahead of the trip to the Blues.

It is hoped the 28-year-old will start full training on Monday with the rest of the squad and show he is ready to take on Chelsea.

Defender Steven Taylor is a serious doubt for the trip to Stamford Bridge after being forced to return from international duty with a shoulder injury.

The 19-year-old has been forced to withdraw from the England Under-21s squad, who face France in a European Championships play-off tomorrow, and had a scan yesterday afternoon. The results are expected today.

Skipper Alan Shearer will take part in light training this week after returning from his hernia operation in Germany yesterday. Stephen Carr, who had the same operation last week, should return to full training this morning.