Shearer leads Newcastle again

Alan Shearer, who signed a new new one-year contract yesterday, led his Newcastle side into their Barclays Premiership clash with Aston Villa.

The 34-year-old was once again partnered in attack by Kieron Dyer after Patrick Kluivert broke down in training with a knee injury.

Manager Graeme Souness made just one change to the side which drew 1-1 at Portsmouth as Jermaine Jenas replaced Amdy Faye in central midfield.

Opposite number David O’Leary welcomed back first-choice strike-force Juan Pablo Angel and Darius Vassell, while Mark Delaney and Thomas Hitzlsperger also returned as Mathieu Berson, Luke Moore, Ulises de la Cruz and former Magpie Nolberto Solano, after his late arrival back from international duty, made way.

Newcastle: Given, Carr, Boumsong, Andrew O’Brien, Hughes, Jenas, Butt, Bowyer, Robert, Shearer, Dyer. Subs: Harper, Faye, Milner, Ameobi, Taylor.

Aston Villa: Sorensen, Delaney, Mellberg, Laursen, Samuel, Hendrie, Davis, Hitzlsperger, Barry, Angel, Vassell. Subs: Solano, Postma, Berson, Cole, Ridgewell.

Referee: B Knight (Kent)