Craig Hope has delivered a major boost for Newcastle United ahead of the Premier League clash against Everton next week.

What's the story?

Writing on Twitter on Wednesday night, he said: "Chris Wood should be fine for Newcastle game v Everton on Tuesday & is travelling back to UK. There had been a virus outbreak in New Zealand national-team camp which forced cancellation of yesterday’s game against Uzbekistan."

Massive boost for Newcastle

With both Newcastle and Everton within just four points of each other - the Toffees do have a game in hand however - Tuesday's night could have massive implications for how this Premier League season pans out for both sides.

A win for the Magpies at St James' Park would claw back the deficit and add to the momentum built by the success of the January transfer window, while similarly, a defeat for Frank Lampard's new side would really drag them into the relegation dogfight.

It's exactly why Hope's update on Wood being fine for the game next week is sure to have Eddie Howe buzzing, with the New Zealand international already being tipped to be a major success on Tyneside.

Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell said: "His goal record is very good and aerially he is brilliant. When you have the likes of Trippier whipping the ball in, it would appear to be another very clever signing. Wood is a striker who can go and attack it. He is as good as anyone at attacking the a ball in the box.

"I just think they need weapons who can keep them up. Wood is one of them. I think he’d be a very good signing for them. It’s a move that definitely weakens Burnley as well, which can only be a good thing for Newcastle."

Both Howe and the club's fans will surely be buzzing with this latest update on their new striker.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are now set to make this decision...