Toon Target Cleverley Plays At St James' Park

Last updated : 16 October 2010 By Footy Mad - Editor

The 23-year-old is out of Saturday's home clash with Wigan and is unlikely to return until March following Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong's tackle.

However, central defender Fabricio Coloccini is fit after limping off at Eastlands with a groin problem.

Danny Guthrie (knee) could return from a lengthy lay-off after playing for the reserves last week, although the game will come too soon for Danny Simpson (ankle) following his appearance for the second string on Wednesday.

Steven Taylor (shoulder) is due to resume training next week but Leon Best (ankle), Steve Harper (shoulder) and Dan Gosling (knee) remain on the sidelines.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez will recall midfielder Tom Cleverley to the squad.

Cleverley, on loan from Manchester United, proved his fitness following a knee injury by playing for the England Under-21 team.

Goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi has recovered from a stomach virus but Antolin Alcaraz is doubtful with an ankle problem while Martinez is keen to rest Gary Caldwell as the defender continues his recovery from injury.

NEWCASTLE (from): Krul, Soderberg, R. Taylor, Perch, Ferguson, Enrique, Coloccini, Williamson, Campbell, Kadar, Smith, Tiote, Barton, Routledge, Gutierrez, Guthrie, Vuckic, Tavernier, Donaldson, Nolan, Carroll, Ameobi, Lovenkrands, Ranger.

WIGAN (from): Al Habsi, Kirkland, Gohouri, Boyce, Stam, Figueroa, Alcaraz, N'Zogbia, Cleverley, Watson, Diame, Moses, McCarthy, Rodallega, Di Santo, Boselli, Gomez, S Caldwell, Golobart, McArthur.