Best sidelined by knee blow

Newcastle have confirmed striker Leon Best is facing several weeks on the sidelines as he recovers from a knee ligament injury.

The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international damaged his knee in a first-half block tackle with Stephen Warnock during Sunday's 2-1 Barclays Premier League victory over Aston Villa.

A club statement said: "Newcastle United can today confirm that Leon Best has sustained medial ligament damage to his left knee."

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2012, All Rights Reserved.