Ireland in contention for Magpies debut

Loan signing Stephen Ireland has been included in the Newcastle squad for the first time for tomorrow night’s Barclays Premier League clash with leaders Manchester United.

The 24-year-old could make his debut despite spending the last few days at the bedside of partner Jessica Lawlor after she suffered multiple injuries in a road accident last week.

Midfielder Cheick Tiote and defender James Perch return from suspension, but skipper Kevin Nolan completes his two-match ban. Goalkeeper Steve Harper has had an injection in his knee and is doubtful.

Provisional squad: Harper, Krul, Sodeberg, Simpson, Ferguson, Enrique, Coloccini, Williamson, S Taylor, R Taylor, Perch, Tiote, Barton, Gutierrez, Guthrie, Ireland, Vuckic, Tavernier, Richardson, Lovenkrands, Ameobi, Ranger, Kuqi.