Triple boost for Roeder

Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder has received a triple injury boost ahead of tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership opener against Wigan.

Goalkeeper Shay Given (back), full-back Stephen Carr (hamstring) and midfielder Damien Duff (groin) have all been passed fit.

Only Michael Owen (knee) and Kieron Dyer (hamstring) remain on the casualty list with the England striker set to miss most of the season and Dyer due back in full training with four weeks.

Provisional squad: Given, Harper, Carr, Ramage, Bramble, Moore, Taylor, Boumsong, Babayaro, Parker, Emre, Solano, Duff, Butt, N’Zogbia, Milner, O’Brien, Pattison, Ameobi, Luque.