O'Brien is Magpies injury worry

Newcastle are without the suspended Nikos Dabizas and injured trio Craig Bellamy (knee), Titus Bramble (hamstring) and Carl Cort (knee) for the derby match with Middlesbrough at St James’ Park on Monday night.

And Republic of Ireland international Andy O’Brien is doubtful because of a back injury.

Manager Sir Bobby Robson has called his reserve central defenders Steve Caldwell and Marcelino into his squad.

Provisional squad: Given, Griffin, Hughes, O’Brien, Bernard, Jenas, Solano, Dyer, Speed, Robert, Shearer, Ameobi, Lua Lua, Harper, Caldwell, Acuna, Marcelino, Elliott.