Dyer blow for Magpies

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has confirmed midfielder Kieron Dyer will not play again this season after damaging his hamstring once again on Wednesday night.

The 26-year-old is one of seven players definitely ruled out of tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership clash with Crystal Palace.

Lee Bowyer serves the sixth leg of his seven-match suspension and Celestine Babayaro (hamstring), Titus Bramble (groin), Nicky Butt and Jermaine Jenas (both calf) and Aaron Hughes (hernia) are all injured with only Bowyer, Jenas and Bramble likely to play again this season.

Steven Taylor and Amdy Faye (both ankle) will undergo late fitness tests, but Jamie McClen and Martin Brittain have both been included in an 18-man squad.

Team (from): Given, Harper, Carr, Elliott, Taylor, Boumsong, O’Brien, Ramage, Faye, N’Zogbia, Ambrose, Milner, Robert, McClen, Brittain, Shearer, Ameobi, Kluivert.