Pompey wait on pair

Portsmouth are waiting on forward David Nugent and defender Younes Kaboul ahead of the trip to Newcastle on Monday night with the pair suffering thigh injuries.

Nugent failed to come out for the second half against Manchester United on Wednesday after a challenge by Nemanja Vidic while Kaboul missed the game following a knock in the win over Bolton five days earlier.

However, both are expected to benefit from the few extra days rest.

Kaboul's return would enable Glen Johnson to revert to midfield at the expense of Jermaine Pennant

Midfielder Niko Kranjcar, however, is unlikely to feature although medical reports on his damaged ankle - also sustained against Bolton - suggest he will return before the end of the season.

Squad: James; Kaboul, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Johnson, Mullins, Davis, Hughes, Belhadj, Nugent, Crouch, Pennant, Kanu, Utaka, Cranie, Basinas, Pamarot, Gekas, Begovic (gk).