Newcastle United star Sven Botman is fit enough to start the Magpies' clash against Tottenham Hotspur in the capital tomorrow.

The Dutchman has shaken off an illness suffered over the festive period to delay his long-term return from a knee injury suffered last March. Botman had starred in the Under-21s against Chelsea before playing in a practice game behind closed doors so the ex-Ajax kid does have minutes in the tank.

Head coach Eddie Howe is pondering a start for Botman due to Fabian Schar's suspension although Lloyd Kelly is also standing by for his first slice of action since the 2-0 home defeat against West Ham in November. Should Botman appear at Spurs he will be playing his first competitive game since the FA Cup exit at Man City at March when it was then decided he should go under the knife.

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Howe said before heading off to London for the team flight: "Sven has worked incredibly hard to get himself in a good condition. He's had three games, a lot of internal training as well.

"He's certainly in and around my thoughts. I'll have to make a decision on who I think best fits that position. It is great to have Sven in and around and available again."

Yet Howe has been understandably cautious about easing Botman back in after the ex-Lille defender was rushed back last season during a campaign of consistent knee trouble. Howe reflected: "We've taken longer than maybe we normally would have done through respect of the injury he had to try and make sure he has the best chance of staying fit and when he comes back, hitting the ground running, which is absolutely vital.

"I've got a decision to make in terms of team selection, but if Sven is in the squad it's because he's fit and available."

After five wins in a row for the Magpies, Howe is not content with where his team are at the moment. He said: "There's more to come, we are playing a lot better, the cohesion in the team has been really strong. Players are playing with confidence and freedom and expressing themselves in a great way.

"But as the challenges go up, we will need to deliver more. These next games we have coming up, will challenge us more and we are going to have to respond in a positive way."

Newcastle could strengthen their grip on a European place against Spurs with a quick turnaround in North London on Tuesday seeing the Magpies attempt to put one foot in the Carabao Cup final against the Gunners.