Cabaye waits on FA ruling

Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye was on Wednesday hoping to fend off a three game ban after denying an Football Association violent conduct charge.

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The 26-year-old Frenchman on Tuesday night formally denied an allegation after clashing with Brighton defender Adam El-Abd during the Magpies' 1-0 FA Cup fourth-round defeat on Saturday.

An FA spokesman said: "Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye has denied a charge of violent conduct."

The spokesman added: "Cabaye was charged following an incident in The FA Cup Fourth Round tie against Brighton Hove Albion on Saturday, January 28.

"A regulatory commission will hear the charge on Wednesday, February 1, 2012."

Either way, Newcastle will know if Cabaye will be available or suspended for Wednesday's Barclays Premier League clash with Blackburn well in advance.

The fixture will see full-back Danny Simpson complete a century of games for the club as he continues his mission to secure an unlikely European adventure with the Magpies next season.

The 25-year-old, whose current deal expires at the end of next season, is yet to agree a new contract with the Magpies, and fresh talks have been put on hold until the summer. But as he prepares to make his 100th appearance, Simpson insists he is happy where he is and is determined to play his part in the charge for a top-six finish.

Asked about his contractual situation, the former Manchester United defender said: "It will be looked at again in the summer, but I have said I am happy here.

"It will be my 100th game [on Wednesday] and I am happy. I am playing and I want to be one of the players who is involved in a Newcastle team which has reached Europe."