Souness takes no chances

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness will not rush back midfielder Emre or defender Celestine Babayaro from injury for tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership trip to West Ham.

The Turkish international could return from a hamstring strain on Boxing Day while full-back Babayaro, who has completed a three-match ban, is still shaking off a groin problem.

Central defender Steven Taylor will test his damaged shoulder in training, but may yet need an operation which could sideline him for 10 weeks, Stephen Carr (hernia), Charles N’Zogbia (broken hand), Kieron Dyer and Craig Moore (hamstring) are all out, so 20-year old full-back Kris Gate is called into the squad.

Provisional squad: Given, Harper, Ramage, Elliott, Gate, Bramble, Boumsong, Parker, Faye, Solano, Luque, Ameobi, Bowyer, Clark, Brittain, Shearer, Owen, Chopra.