Newcastle midfielder Nicky Butt returns to the squad for Sunday’s Barclays Premiership visit to Birmingham after missing the midweek UEFA Cup trip to Israel through suspension.

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Newcastle defender Robbie Elliott is a major doubt for tonight’s UEFA Cup clash with Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin after being taken ill with a stomach bug in Israel.

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given was planning to draw on the more colourful experiences of his career as he stepped into the unknown in Israel tonight.

NEWCASTLE boss Graeme Souness found himself the subject of a grilling as he arrived at the Ramat Gan Stadium to complete his preparations for tonight’s UEFA Cup clash with Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin.

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness is hopeful that striker Craig Bellamy will be fit to keep his place for tomorrow night’s UEFA Cup first round second-leg clash with Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin in Tel Aviv.

NEWCASTLE midfielder Nicky Butt will sit out the club’s next three European games after being banned by UEFA.

Newcastle midfielder Nicky Butt has been banned for three European games following his dismissal against Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd today revealed that new boss Graeme Souness was prepared to “do everything he could” to land the job when Bobby Robson was sacked.

NEWCASTLE midfielder Nicky Butt is facing up to the possibility of a three-match European ban for his moment of UEFA Cup madness.

Alan Shearer and Craig Bellamy are likely to return to the Newcastle starting line-up for the Barclays Premiership trip to Southampton on Sunday after being rested last night.

Alan Shearer and Craig Bellamy are likely to return to the Newcastle starting line-up for the Barclays Premiership trip to Southampton on Sunday after being rested last night.

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Newcastle defender Andy O’Brien is confident the highs and lows his side have experienced in their last two dramatic European campaigns can help launch their latest adventure in style.

NEWCASTLE boss Graeme Souness will not bombard his players with lectures as he attempts to get their season back on track.

Ronny Johnsen was on Tyneside today to discuss a transfer to Newcastle on a short-term contract.

NEW Newcastle boss Graeme Souness will enlist the help of Alan Shearer and his senior team-mates as he attempts to get to grips with the St James’ Park “Brat Pack.”