No new concerns for Magpies

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has no fresh injury problems ahead of tomorrow night’s rearranged Barclays Premier League trip to Birmingham.

Central defender Steven Taylor has returned to training after a hamstring injury and is expected to play for the reserves next week, while striker Shola Ameobi will travel to America on Thursday to have a protective mask for his fractured cheekbone fitted, and he could be available for Bolton’s visit to St James’ Park on February 26.

Ryan Taylor is working his way back to fitness after an ankle injury, but Stephen Ireland, Dan Gosling (both knee), Alan Smith (ankle) and Hatem Ben Arfa (broken leg) remain on the sidelines.

Provisional squad (from): Harper, Krul, Simpson, Perch, Ferguson, Enrique, Coloccini, Williamson, Campbell, Tiote, Barton, Nolan, Gutierrez, Guthrie, Vuckic, Richardson, Lovenkrands, Best, Ranger, Kuqi.