Owen back for Magpies

England striker Michael Owen will return to the Newcastle squad for tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership trip to Birmingham.

The 26-year-old, who has not played since fracturing a metatarsal on December 31, is likely to play a part in the game, although he may have to do so from the bench.

Midfielder Emre too could be back in contention after recovering from a groin problem, while defender Steven Taylor will hope for some involvement after his return from a dislocated shoulder, but Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer (both hamstring) and Scott Parker (glandular fever) are out for the season.

Provisional squad: Given, Harper, Carr, Ramage, Bramble, Moore, Boumsong, Taylor, Elliott, Babayaro, Solano, N’Zogbia, Emre, Faye, Clark, Pattison, Brittain, O’Brien, Luque, Owen Ameobi, Chopra.