Dyer set for Magpies return

Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer will return to the starting line-up for Sunday’s vital Barclays Premiership clash with Portsmouth.

The 27-year-old was rested for Thursday night’s 2-1 UEFA Cup victory over Celta Vigo, but like £10m (€15m) striker Obafemi Martins and skipper Scott Parker, is expected to resume against Pompey.

Winger Damien Duff is out after undergoing knee surgery yesterday, while Craig Moore (hamstring), Celestine Babayaro (groin), Olivier Bernard and Shola Ameobi (both hip) and Michael Owen (knee) will also be missing.

Stephen Carr could return from a foot injury, while Nicky Butt and Emre should shake off knocks picked up against Celta, and Giuseppe Rossi is available after being ineligible for UEFA Cup duty.

Provisional squad: Given, Harper, Srnicek, Carr, Ramage, Bramble, Taylor, Huntington, Parker, Butt, Emre, Dyer, Solano, Milner, N’Zogbia, Pattison, O’Brien, Martins, Sibierski, Luque, Carroll.