Newcastle United vs Birmingham City. Sky Bet Championship.
St James' Park, NewcastleAttendance52,145.
Friday 9 December 2016 13:47, UK
Newcastle have Jonjo Shelvey and Paul Dummett available to face Birmingham after they had suspensions rescinded on appeal.
The pair were sent off in the defeat at Nottingham Forest, for violent conduct and denying a goalscoring opportunity, but an independent commission has cleared them.
Midfielder Jack Colback is set to return after missing the Forest match with an eye injury.
Goalkeeper Rob Elliott (knee) is close to a comeback, but full-back Jesus Gamez (broken collarbone) faces another five weeks out.
Jacques Maghoma is a major doubt for Birmingham as he continues to struggle with the illness which forced him to miss last week's defeat to Barnsley.
Jonathan Spector and David Davis are suspended and Paul Caddis is out with a shoulder injury, while Rhoys Wiggins (knee) has returned to his parent club Bournemouth with his loan due to end formally on January 2.
Diego Fabbrini is available after being given last week off because a family bereavement.
Teenager Corey O'Keeffe, who can play in midfield or defence, could feature in the squad after being given a first team squad number.
