Owen still a derby doubt
Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has described striker Michael Owen as “touch and go” to be fit for Sunday’s Barclays Premiership derby against Sunderland.
Owen was the latest Magpies player to be struck down by a hamstring injury in training this week and Souness is hoping he comes through a late test.
Souness’ injury crisis is showing signs of easing a little, with Emre in contention for his first start since August and Nolberto Solano also set to make his first appearance since returning to the club.
However Kieron Dyer, Albert Luque, Titus Bramble and Craig Moore (all hamstring), and Celestine Babayaro (groin) are all still sidelined.
Newcastle (from): Given, Harper, Carr, Elliott, Taylor, Boumsong, Ramage, Parker, Bowyer, Emre, Clark, Faye, Solano, N’Zogbia, Brittain, Shearer, Owen, Ameobi, Chopra.
