Mahon returns for Hornets

Watford welcome back captain Gavin Mahon for their Barclays Premiership trip to Newcastle tomorrow.

The influential midfielder missed the 0-0 draw with Reading last weekend due to suspension after picking up five bookings this season, but he is available again and is almost certain to replace Al Bangura in the centre.

But on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster remains sidelined with a knee injury, while forward Marlon King (knee) and defender Clarke Carlisle (thigh) are long-term absentees.

Provisional squad: Lee, Chamberlain, Chambers, Shittu, DeMerit, Stewart, Powell, Mackay, Doyley, Mariappa, Smith, Francis, Bangura, Bouazza, Mahon, Spring, McNamee, Young, Henderson, Priskin, Jarrett.