Pearson short of players for Stoke clash

Newcastle’s caretaker manager Nigel Pearson is facing a major selection headache ahead of tomorrow night’s FA Cup third round replay against Stoke.

Central midfielders Alan Smith and Nicky Butt are suspended, whole Habib Beye, Abdoulaye Faye, Geremi and Obafemi Martins are away on African Nations Cup duty.

Emre is likely to start his first game since St Stephen's Day, while youngsters Andy Carroll and Kazenga LuaLua could be included in the squad, although Joey Barton will not figure despite his return to training.

Provisional squad: Given, Harper, Carr, N’Zogbia, Enrique, Rozehnal, Cacapa, Taylor, Edgar, Milner, Emre, Duff, LuaLua, Viduka, Owen, Martins, Carroll.