Butt back for Newcastle

Nicky Butt returned to the Newcastle starting line-up for this afternoon’s Barclays Premiership clash with Manchester City.

The former Manchester United midfielder, who missed the 1-0 UEFA Cup victory over Panionios through suspension, replaced James Milner in the only change to the side which took the field in Athens.

Frenchman Laurent Robert was handed his first league start under new manager Graeme Souness, while striker Patrick Kluivert was again missing after failing to recover fully from a hamstring problem.

Former Magpies boss Kevin Keegan too made just one change to the side which defeated Chelsea 1-0 last time out as Steve McManaman replaced Sun Jihai, who damaged knee ligaments last weekend, and there was no return for Trevor Sinclair because of a stomach problem.

Newcastle: Given, Carr, Elliott, O’Brien, Bernard, Jenas, Butt, Bowyer, Robert, Shearer, Bellamy.

Subs: Harper, Milner, Ambrose, Hughes, Ameobi.

Man City: James, Mills, Distin, Dunne, Thatcher, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Bosvelt, McManaman, Sibierski, Macken, Anelka.

Subs: Fowler, Waterreus, Negouai, Jordan, Flood.

Referee: S Dunn (Gloucestershire)