Martins back for Magpies

Striker Obafemi Martins returned to the Newcastle starting line-up for tonight’s Carling Cup clash with Tottenham as caretaker manager Chris Hughton summoned up as much firepower as he could muster.

The Nigeria international’s inclusion after his recovery from a groin injury was one of two changes to the side which lost at West Ham, with Sebastien Bassong the other as Xisco and David Edgar made way.

Spurs boss Juande Ramos restored Ledley King and Aaron Lennon to the starting line-up in place of David Bentley and Darren Bent, and that meant a start for £13.8million forward Roman Pavlyuchenko despite his admission he is struggling to adapt to his new club’s training regime.

The game kicked off amid mounting speculation the Magpies could appoint an interim boss within days, former England coach Terry Venables’ name having entered the frame.

Newcastle: Given, Geremi, Taylor, Coloccini, Bassong, Cacapa, Butt, N’Zogbia, Owen, Duff, Martins. Subs: Harper, Xisco, Ameobi, Edgar, Tozer, Doninger, Donaldson.

Tottenham: Gomes, Zokora, King, Woodgate, Corluka, Lennon, Jenas, Assou-Ekotto, O’Hara, Bale, Pavlyuchenko. Subs: Cesar, Bentley, Bent, Gilberto, Modric, Giovani, Campbell.

Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside)