Shearer back for Magpies

Newcastle captain Alan Shearer is back in contention for tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership clash with Portsmouth after shaking off a thigh problem.

The 34-year-old is expected to return to the starting line-up.

Manager Graeme Souness has a major doubt over Dutchman Patrick Kluivert, who has missed several days’ training with a hamstring injury.

Full-back Olivier Bernard has recovered from a similar problem and is available, but Nicky Butt (also hamstring), Stephen Carr (knee) and Andy O’Brien (calf) remain on the casualty list.

Provisional squad: Given, Harper, Taylor, Bernard, Elliott, Hughes, Bramble, Johnsen, Jenas, Dyer, Bowyer, Robert, Milner, Ambrose, Shearer, Bellamy, Kluivert, Ameobi.