Magpies without African pair

Newcastle will be without striker Obafemi Martins and captain Geremi for Sunday’s FA Cup trip to Stoke after the pair headed off on African Nations Cup duty.

Martins has joined the Nigeria squad for a pre-tournament training camp – but could return for next weekend’s Premier League clash with Manchester United – while Geremi will not be available until Cameroon’s involvement comes to an end.

Abdoulaye Faye and Habib Beye will join up with Senegal after Sunday’s game.

Striker Alan Smith could return to the squad after recovering from concussion, but Joey Barton will again be missing despite his release from custody after being charged with assault and affray. The club are 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, Butt, Milner, Emre, Duff, Smith, Viduka, Owen.