GRAEME Souness today confirmed the club will seek a second opinion on Nicky Butt's troublesome hamstring problem before putting a timescale on when he will be fit to return.

The England international has made just 14 appearances for The Magpies since his summer switch from Old Trafford, and was targeting a return to first team action before suffering a setback in training earlier this week.

"It's disappointing that Nicky has suffered a setback, especially after making good progress from his injury," Souness confirmed on Thursday.

"He is a big player for us and he is a huge miss to us when he isn't available.

"But we intend to get a second opinion on the injury and we will take it from there."

Meanwhile Stephen Carr, who has been out of action since breaking down on his comeback from a knee injury against Manchester United in November, will have injury assessed again on Friday.