Keane on bench against Newcastle

Robbie Keane’s double against Bolton was enough only to earn him a place on the Liverpool bench for this afternoon’s Barclays Premier League clash with Newcastle.

The Republic of Ireland skipper’s absence was one of three changes made by Rafael Benitez as Xabi Alonso and Albert Riera also made way for Ryan Babel, Javier Mascherano and Lucas.

Magpies boss Joe Kinnear was not afforded the same luxury with Sebastien Bassong suspended and Habib Beye, Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins injured.

Jose Enrique passed a late fitness test on a calf problem to return at left back, while Steven Taylor and David Edgar were also drafted into the back four.