Duff back for Magpies

Glenn Roeder has selected Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff on the left wing after recovering from a virus as he looked to take a step towards the UEFA Cup semi-finals today.

Utility man Kieron Dyer moved to the right in place of James Milner as Antoine Sibierski was drafted in alongside Obafemi Martins in attack.

Ireland defender Stephen Carr returned after his thigh problem, with the ineligible Oguchi Onyewu making way.

AZ coach Louis van Gaal made two changes to the side which won 4-0 at Utrecht at the weekend as defenders Jew Jaliens and Gretar Steinsson replaced Gijs Luirink and Ryan Donk.

Newcastle: Given, Bramble, Taylor, Carr, Solano, Dyer, Parker, Butt, Duff, Sibierski, Martins.

Subs: Harper, Emre, Luque, N’Zogbia, Milner, Huntington, Carroll.

AZ: Waterman, Steinsson, Jaliens, Opdam, De Cler, Jenner, De Zeeuw, Martens, Boukhari, Koevermans, Arveladze.

Subs: Bulters, Luirink, Cziommer, Donk, Dembele, Vormer, Lens.

Referee: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland).