Jonas Gutierrez ready to plug gap as injury and suspension hit Newcastle defence hard

Jonas Gutierrez has signalled his readiness to step into the depths of a crisis which is threatening to end Newcastle's season with a whimper.

The 31-year-old Argentinian has been used as a substitute in the Magpies' last two games after his return to the squad following a successful battle against testicular cancer.

However, as head coach John Carver prepares for Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture against Arsenal at St James' Park with suspension and injury severely limiting his options, Gutierrez is offering his services in whatever role he is needed.