Owen back in squad

Newcastle skipper Michael Owen returns to the squad for the first time since January for tomorrow’s vital trip to Hull.

The 29-year-old is included after recovering from ankle ligament damage, and will be joined by the fit-again Nicky Butt (knee) and Damien Duff (calf).

Midfielder Kevin Nolan completes his three-match ban, while Habib Beye (ankle) and Danny Guthrie (hamstring) are closing in on returns.

Striker Mark Viduka (Achilles) is still two weeks away, and Joey Barton and Xisco (both fractured toe) and Ignacio Gonzalez (Achilles) remain on the sidelines.

Provisional squad: Harper, Forster, Krul, S. Taylor, Bassong, Coloccini, Enrique, Edgar, Cacapa, Butt, Duff, R. Taylor, Gutierrez, Lovenkrands, Geremi, Donaldson, Ameobi, Smith, Martins, Owen, Carroll.