Chopra gets Magpies debut

Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson handed a senior debut to 20-year-old striker Michael Chopra as Blackburn Rovers arrived at St James’ Park.

The England Under-20 frontman lined up alongside fellow former Gosforth High School pupil Alan Shearer in attack with Lomana LuaLua making way in the only change to the side which drew 1-1 at Leicester on St Stephen's Day.

Rovers boss Graeme Souness rang the changes after seeing his side pick up a disappointing one point from the last nine on offer as Martin Taylor, Garry Flitcroft, Nils-Eric Johansson and Dwight Yorke all made way.

Slovakian Vratislav Gresko was recalled to the defence while Tugay and Alan Mahon, who impressed as a substitute against Middlesbrough on Friday, lined up in midfield and former Magpie Andy Cole replaced Yorke as youngster Paul Gallagher’s strike partner.