NEWCASTLE v Sunderland: Nolan and Butt boost midfield options

By Sportsmail Reporter Updated: 09:34 EST, 31 January 2009

Newcastle new boy Kevin Nolan will go straight into the side for Sunday's derby clash with Sunderland after completing his move from Bolton - and will partner suspension-free Nicky Butt in midfield.  

Goalkeeper Shay Given has been given permission to talk to Manchester City - although he would not have played as he undergoes treatment for a knee injury, while wantaway midfielder Charles N'Zogbia would also have been missing with an ankle problem.

Boost: Newcastle midfielder Nicky Butt returns from suspension for Tyne-Wear derby

Michael Owen could be sidelined for up to six weeks with ankle ligament damage, while midfielder Danny Guthrie could be out for as long as eight weeks after damaging a hamstring.  

Obafemi Martins (hernia), Mark Viduka (Achilles) and Claudio Cacapa (knee) are closing in on returns, but Shola Ameobi (knee), Habib Beye (ankle) and Tamas Kadar (broken leg) remain on the casualty list.  

Team (from): Harper, Forster, Krul, Enrique, Bassong, Coloccini, Taylor, Edgar, Duff, Gutierrez, Nolan, Lovenkrands, Geremi, Donaldson, Donninger, Godsmark, Xisco, Carroll, LuaLua, Ranger.