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.