Johnson fails to start for Portsmouth

Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson failed to shake off a knee injury in time for the Barclays Premier League clash with Newcastle despite boss Tony Adams’ optimism about his availability on Friday.

Arnold Mvuemba was drafted into the starting line-up in his place, and Richard Hughes returned from injury to replace the suspended Papa Bouba Diop in Pompey’s only other change to the side which drew with West Brom last weekend.

Magpies winger Damien Duff was a doubt with a groin problem but made the bench, while central midfielder Nicky Butt was fit to start following a hamstring injury.

Obafemi Martins and Michael Owen, who turned 29 today, were once again picked to spearhead Newcastle’s attack.