Owen return possible

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce will make a late decision over England striker Michael Owen ahead of the St Stephen's Day clash with Wigan.

The 28-year-old is ready to resume full training after a thigh injury, and although short of match fitness, could be included in the squad, as could full-back Stephen Carr on his return from a hamstring problem.

Abdoulaye Faye (hamstring) is available once again, and Damien Duff, who returned from a long-term foot injury as a substitute against Derby on Sunday, will hope for further action.

Provisional squad: Given, Harper, Carr, Beye, N’Zogbia, Enrique, Rozehnal, Cacapa, Taylor, Faye, Edgar, Geremi, Butt, Barton, Milner, Emre, Duff, Smith, Martins, Viduka, Owen.