Smith in contention for Newcastle return

Newcastle striker Alan Smith could return to the squad for Sunday’s FA Cup third round trip to Stoke after recovering from concussion.

The former Manchester United player missed the 2-0 midweek defeat by Manchester City after a clash of heads with team-mate Abdoulaye Faye, but has been given the all clear by medics.

However, Joey Barton will again be missing despite his release on from custody after being charged with assault and affray with the club currently investigating his bail conditions to see if he can return to action.

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