Owen set for Magpies return

Newcastle captain Michael Owen is poised to return to action in Monday’s Barclays Premier League match against Aston Villa.

Owen and vice-captain Nicky Butt are both back in contention to feature for Joe Kinnear’s side at St James’ Park.

Striker Owen has missed the last three games with groin trouble, while midfielder Butt, who has had an ankle problem, sat out Tuesday’s victory over West Brom.

Provisional squad: Given, Beye, Enrique, Taylor, Coloccini, Butt, Barton, Guthrie, Duff, Gutierrez, Ameobi, Owen, Martins, Harper, Bassong, Cacapa, Edgar, Geremi, Xisco.