Shearer Plays Waiting Game!

Last updated : 17 April 2009 By Footy Mad - Editor

Shearer has asked striker Obafemi Martins (groin) to play through the pain barrier, while defender Steven Taylor (ankle) and forward Peter Lovenkrands (chest infection) were due to resume full training on Friday.

Left-back Jose Enrique (knee) remains a doubt, but striker Mark Viduka (Achilles) is included in the squad.

Midfielder Joey Barton is expected to resume full training next week and could be in contention for a return against Portsmouth on April 27.

NEWCASTLE (from): Harper, Forster, Krul, Beye, Bassong, Coloccini, S. Taylor, Edgar, Cacapa, Butt, Duff, R. Taylor, Gutierrez, Nolan, Guthrie, Lovenkrands, Geremi, Smith, Martins, Owen, Viduka, Carroll, Xisco, Ranger.

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe could make a shock return to the squad.

Defoe is back in full training after injuring his foot at the end of January and is pushing for a place, even though it was originally thought that the game would come too soon for him.

Roman Pavlyuchenko (back) and Jermaine Jenas (hamstring) are struggling but Wilson Palacios is back from suspension and Alan Hutton (foot) is fit again.

TOTTENHAM (from): Gomes, Corluka, King, Woodgate, Assou-Ekotto, Huddlestone, Lennon, Jenas, Bent, Modric, Keane, Palacios, Pavlyuchenko, Cudicini, Bale, Zokora, Bentley, Dawson, Chimbonda, O'Hara, Hutton, Campbell.