TON ARMY

"Cool customer" Sandro fit & ready to return after bet ban.

- SIMON BIRD

SANDRO TONALI has endured his 10-month betting ban by stoically containing his emotions - as he returns to action with Newcastle next week.

Boss Eddie Howe has given an update on the difficult journey Tonali has been on since he was handed a worldwide ban on playing - just three months after his £54million transfer from AC Milan.

The Italy star is in line to make his playing return on Wednesday next week against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup.

His first Premier League availability will be the home game against Tottenham on September 1.

Tonali has taken part in rehab for what his agent called a "betting addiction" following the 10-month suspension by the Italian FA for breaking gambling rules while playing for AC Milan and Brescia.

The 24-year-old was then charged by the FA and admitted placing wagers on 50 matches between August 12 and October 12 last season, including four Toon games.

He was handed a two-month suspended ban in England.