Clark back in Villa squad

Aston Villa midfielder Ciaran Clark will return after suspension for the home Barclays Premier League clash with Newcastle on Sunday.

The Republic of Ireland player had to serve a two-match ban for incurring 10 bookings this season and was ruled out of the home defeat by Wolves and the draw at Everton.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier has a full strength squad to choose from as his players look to avenge a 6-0 defeat at St James’ Park earlier in the campaign.

Houllier has to decide whether to persevere with the 4-4-2 system he switched to against Everton or revert to operating with record signing Darren Bent as the sole striker.

Villa (provisional squad): Friedel, Walker, Collins, Dunne, Luke Young, Downing, Reo-Coker, Makoun, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor, Bent, Marshall, Clark, Heskey, Pires, Albrighton, Delph, Petrov, Cuellar.