Injury for Owen

Newcastle striker Michael Owen is a doubt for the Tyne-Wear derby after suffering a hamstring strain in a practice match.

The 25-year-old England forward limped out of the game after 20 minutes and Shola Ameobi has now been placed on alert for a possible start.

He has suffered hamstring problems in the past while at Liverpool, and Magpies boss Graeme Souness, already struggling with a long injury list, will be hoping the injury is not serious.

The practice match in which Owen was injured had been arranged to help Nolberto Solano and Emre reacquaint themselves with the first team after a spell on the sidelines.

Number two goalkeeper Steve Harper also suffered an injury in the same match.

Midfielder Lee Bowyer (knee) is struggling to be fit while Kieron Dyer and Albert Luque will miss out.

Newcastle suffered a further blow on Tuesday night as defender Craig Moore hobbled off at half-time in a reserve match against Birmingham.