Step forward Shola, Lovenkrands and Ranger.

It's been confirmed today, by NUFC no less, that Leon Best will be out of action for the rest of the season.

Best has been struggling with an ankle injury and had been administered injections in the hope that he would be able to be coaxed through a few more games, but it appears that is not a viable option and Best will undergo an ankle operation in London on Friday after being assessed by the medical staff at the club.

It's a cruel blow for Best who was just starting to change opinions on Tyneside and proved that he has a canny knack of being in the right place at the right time to find the back of the net. With six goals in ten games since the departure of Judas Andy, it's safe to say that Best has stepped up to the plate after he was given the chance by Alan Pardew.

Fair play to him. Chris Hughton was all set to send Bestie out on loan apparently but his sacking changed the game, and when Alan Pardew gave in to Best's begging for a chance he came in and justified his inclusion. Few would argue that there isn't any better strikers out there, but could we really have asked for more from him? I don't think so. Carroll scored six in ten games near the start of the season and people fizzed over him, yet Best still has his critics. Funny that.....

Anyway, there is no point in crying over spilt milk, and it won't bring Best back anyway, so instead we have to look at who will be tasked with scoring the goals in the final six or so weeks of the season. Step forward Shola Ameobi, Peter Lovenkrands, Nile Ranger, Shefki Kuqi and maybe Phil Airey for good measure.

Those lads are tasked with scoring us the goals in the final few games of the season, and looking at that I'm thankful that we are all but safe.

It's perhaps a bit harsh to be down on the likes of Ameobi and Lovenkrands after the way that they both performed at the weekend, but the problem is that I have absolutely zero confidence in them putting in the same kind of performance again. Consistantly inconsistant would be the best way of describing the pair.

Nile Ranger has yet to score despite a whole host of promising appearances from the substitutes bench, whilst Shefki Kuqi is here to pretty much make up the numbers and will continue in his role of prowling the sidelines. One would hope that he doesn't stay there too long as he may set up a kebab shop at the corner of Gallowgate. I'd like that.

Then there is Phil Airey who has been prolific for the reserves this season and has scored nine goals in 12 appearances. Being honest, he is a bit lightweight for the Premier League, but that is just me as a fan looking at him. He could well be deceptively strong, but I think any talk of starts is far too premature before anyone mentions it.

However, an appearance from the bench here and there could be a good option and will only benefit the player in the long run. Alan Pardew has already told Airey that he will be training properly with the first team from now until the end of the season so perhaps, like Shane Ferguson, Airey can convince Pardew to give him a few minutes on the pitch.

It's a blow to lose Best, but others will step up to the plate I'm sure. Luckily that plate isn't quite as big as it was and we only need a point or three to guarantee safety.

Get well soon Leon.