GLENN ROEDER faces a tough choice this weekend as controversial midfielder Emre edges closer to full fitness.

The Turkish international, awaiting a personal hearing after being charged with using racially aggravated language in the defeat to Everton on December 30, has played only once since that infamous clash at Goodison Park.

But, after apparently shrugging off his calf problem, Emre could be fit to face Wigan on Sunday.

There is no suggestion the midfielder will be involved in tomorrow night's UEFA Cup second leg with Zulte Waregem at St James' Park.

Emre has continually protested his innocence, but Roeder must decide whether to include a player with a cloud hanging over him.

Since Emre was charged with allegedly racially abusing Everton's Joseph Yobo - when Tom Howard and Joleon Lescott both became involved in the incident - further allegations have been reported.

In the space of 24 hours towards the back end of last week, it was claimed Emre also used racially insulting words towards Bolton's El-Hadji Diouf and Watford's Al Bangura in two separate fixtures.

The Newcastle playmaker, bought for £3.8m in the summer of 2005, has always maintained he is not a racist and protested his innocence.

But he is believed to be seeking move and his agent, Ahmed Bulut, knows of interest from both Galatasaray, his former club, and Bayern Munich.

No date has been fixed for Emre's personal hearing at Soho Square and whether or not he figures again this season appears to be very much in Roeder's hands.

Roeder last night watched Gareth Bale playing for Southampton at Coventry City.

Bale remains a firm target but Newcastle were priced out of a move for the teenage left-back in January after the emergence of both Tottenham and Manchester United for his signature.

The Welsh international was tracked for most of last month by Spurs but an agreement over a fee could not be reached, so he remained at St Mary's. Manchester United are known to be keen on the £10m-rated player.

Roeder is looking for young talent now so that he can push ahead with his targets as soon as the season is over.