GLENN ROEDER discussed transfer targets with chairman Freddy Shepherd yesterday, but it is one of Newcastle United's summer recruits he hopes will be fit for the hectic fixture list.

After tomorrow's home game with Tottenham, Newcastle travel to both Bolton and Everton before seeing in the new year with the visit of Manchester United on January 1.

And Roeder, the Newcastle boss, is desperate to see Irish winger Damien Duff play some part after suffering cruciate ligament pain after a recent operation - a factor that kept him out of Wednesday's defeat to Chelsea in the Carling Cup.

It is likely that Duff will be missing against Spurs but there is also a strong chance he will be absent on Boxing Day at Bolton and at Goodison Park.

Having been bereft of the former Chelsea winger since a November 18 draw at Arsenal it is little wonder his manager wants to see him back in action as soon as possible.

"Damien will probably be out another week or so," said Roeder, already shy of Craig Moore, Titus Bramble, Stephen Carr and Charles N'Zogbia for the short-term. "He had the same problem when he was with Chelsea last year. He heals very quickly and I would not rule him out of Saturday just yet."

With both Michael Owen - who Roeder says is on target for an end of season return - and Shola Ameobi out long-term it is easy to see why Newcastle are keen to bolster in the transfer window.

Shepherd and Roeder discussed the men at the top of their shopping list yesterday and are thought to have discussed a number of options, including Middlesbrough's Chris Riggott and Preston's David Nugent.

Roeder, already in festive mood following a recent run of good form that has seen Newcastle climb into mid-table, is buoyed by the recovery rate of Owen.

The striker, who ruptured his cruciate knee ligament at the World Cup in the summer, is on Tyneside continuing his rehabilitation after surgery in the US.

And Roeder, not one for setting targets, is optimistic about Owen's chances of playing before the end of the campaign.

"I see Michael once or twice a day when I pop into the physio's room to see how Emergency Ward 10 is going. You see him in the corner doing his rehab work. When I ask him 'how's it feeling?' and 'is it feeling strong?' he comes up with all the right answers, the things you would want him to say," said the Newcastle boss.

"He says it is feeling strong and he is saying that there's a chance we might get him fit before the end of the season. If that happens, it would be a massive bonus. But we also have to accept that there's a potential that it might not happen.

"He's right to set that target and I hope he makes it. It won't be for the lack of trying."

Owen turned 27 on December 14 and played just ten games before breaking his foot for his new club. He returned in the final game of last season before suffering his latest injury in Germany.

"He hasn't kicked a ball yet, he's nowhere near being able to do that," said Roeder. "I don't think he's doing too much jogging.

"He's just concentrating on doing a lot of strengthening work, getting the knee straight and flat and into a position where he can put strength back into the leg before he can start jogging.

"I don't know when that will start because I don't need to. That's still too far away for me to be thinking about."