Toon welcome back Harper

Goalkeeper Steve Harper returns to the Newcastle squad for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Liverpool after overcoming a knee injury.

The 36-year-old, who has missed the last two games, will travel to Anfield, although whether or not he replaces deputy Tim Krul remains to be seen.

Skipper Kevin Nolan has recovered from a slight muscle strain, but loan signing Stephen Ireland has been ruled out for the rest of the season by an ankle injury after making just two appearances as a substitute.

Hatem Ben Arfa continues his rehabilitation after returning to training from a double leg fracture, but Danny Guthrie (shin), Leon Best (ankle), Dan Gosling (knee) and Alan Smith (ankle) remain on the sidelines.

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