Bowyer returns for Magpies

Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson was handed a boost ahead of tomorrow night’s UEFA Cup semi-final second leg in Marseille after midfielder Lee Bowyer reported fit for duty.

Bowyer, who has not played in Europe since December 2002 because of suspension and injury, shook off a hamstring injury to take his place in the 21-man party which jetted out from Newcastle International Airport this morning.

However, Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer and Andy Griffin (all hamstring), Jonathan Woodgate and Jermaine Jenas (both thigh) were left behind as central defender Steve Caldwell was drafted in after being recalled from his loan spell at relegated Leeds.

Provisional squad: Given, Harper, Caig, Hughes, Bernard, Taylor, Elliott, O’Brien, Bramble, S Caldwell, Speed, Robert, Viana, Ambrose, Bowyer, Orr, Brittain, Shearer, Ameobi, Bridges, Chopra.