Ashdown set for Pompey start

Portsmouth goalkeeper Kostas Chalkias is to be dropped to the bench after conceding 13 goals in his last six matches, with Jamie Ashdown replacing him for tomorrow’s Fratton Park clash with Newcastle.

Midfielder Richard Hughes returns to the squad after overcoming a hamstring injury but former Newcastle defender Andy Griffin will not be fit to face his old club because of a calf strain.

Long-term absentees Hayden Foxe (foot), Vincent Pericard and Svetoslav Todorov (both knee) remain sidelined.

Provisional squad: Ashdown, Cisse, De Zeeuw, Stefanovic, Taylor, O’Neil, Stone, Skopelitis, Berger, Yakubu, LuaLua, Chalkias, Primus, Hughes, Kamara, Fuller, Mezague, Hislop.