Allardyce return hit for six

Sam Allardyce’s Newcastle side will limp into tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership opener against his old club Bolton at the Reebok Stadium without six big-name stars as their injury curse continues.

Shay Given’s recent groin injury ensured the Magpies goalkeeper will join Michael Owen (thigh), Damien Duff (ankle), Joey Barton (metatarsal), Emre (ankle) and Celestine Babayaro (groin) on the sidelines.

Kieron Dyer is set to figure in the squad following the collapse of his projected move to West Ham.

Alan Smith and Mark Viduka will make their debuts but Claudio Capaca and Jose Enrique are less likely to figure.

Team (from): Harper, Carr, N’Zogbia, Rozehnal, Taylor, Solano, Milner, Geremi, Butt, Smith, Viduka, Martins, Ameobi, Luque, Ramage, Edgar, Huntingdon, Pattison, Cacapa, Enrique.