Owen starts for Newcastle

Michael Owen was handed a Barclays Premiership debut for Newcastle as manager Graeme Souness fielded his new-look strike force for the first time.

The £17m (€25m) man, who scored his last league goal in England against the Magpies for Liverpool on the final day of the 2003-04 season, lined up alongside skipper Alan Shearer in a side which featured three changes to the one which lost 2-0 to Manchester United last time out.

Injured duo Kieron Dyer and Emre made way with Lee Bowyer named only on the bench after a late fitness test as Owen, Amdy Faye and, after recovering from a fractured elbow, Titus Bramble, were recalled.

Fulham boss Chris Coleman kept faith with the side which beat Everton 1-0 a fortnight ago with new signing Philippe Christanval among the substitutes.

Newcastle: Given, Taylor, Boumsong, Bramble, Babayaro, Carr, Faye, Parker, Luque, Shearer, Owen. Subs: Elliott, Bowyer, Harper, N’Zogbia, Clark.

Fulham: Warner, Volz, Knight, Bocanegra, Niclas Jensen, Radzinski, Claus Jensen, Diop, Malbranque, Boa Morte, McBride. Subs: Helguson, John, Batista, Elrich, Christanval.

Referee: A Wiley (Staffordshire)