Owen left as sub for Magpies

England striker Michel Owen had to make do with a place on the bench as Newcastle looked for a third successive Premier League victory at St James’ Park.

Interim boss Joe Kinnear made just one change to the side beaten 2-1 at Fulham last weekend with Sebastien Bassong replacing Claudio Cacapa in central defence.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce was less fortunate and had to do without both first-choice strikers, Emile Heskey and Amr Zaki.

Mario Melchiot, who picked up a knock against Arsenal in midweek, and Jason Koumas were also missing as Paul Scharner, Ryan Taylor, Olivier Kapo and Henri Camara were drafted into the starting line-up.

Newcastle: Given, Beye, Bassong, Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Gutierrez, Barton, Butt, Duff, Ameobi, Martins.

Subs: Harper, Cacapa, Guthrie, Owen, N’Zogbia, Geremi, Carroll.

Wigan: Kirkland, Taylor, Bramble, Boyce, Figueroa, Scharner, Cattermole, Palacios, Kapo, Camara, Valencia.

Subs: Pollitt, Kilbane, Brown, De Ridder, Cywka, Kupisz, Routledge.

Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)