Simspon fit for Newcastle

Full-back Danny Simpson returns to the Newcastle squad for tomorrow night’s Europa League clash with Bordeaux.

The former Manchester United defender has been out since damaging a hamstring in the 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw with Aston Villa on September 2, but his return to fitness could hardly have been better-timed with manager Alan Pardew facing a defensive crisis.

Central defender Steven Taylor damaged a calf muscle at Reading on Saturday and like Fabricio Coloccini (hamstring), is likely to miss tomorrow’s game and Manchester United’s visit to Tyneside on Sunday, while keeper Tim Krul (elbow) remains on the sidelines, although midfielder Yohan Cabaye is available after recovering from a mouth infection.

Provisional squad: Harper, Elliot, Simpson, Tavernier, Ferguson, Perch, Williamson, Good, Santon, Tiote, Cabaye, Gutierrez, Ben Arfa, Anita, Bigirimana, Gosling, Marveaux, Obertan, Vuckic, Abeid, Amalfitano, Sammy Ameobi, Ba, Cisse, Shola Ameobi, Campbell.