Michael Owen will return to the squad after a hamstring strain but Allardyce is likely to stick with Viduka and Obafemi Martins, who secured the Magpies' 3-1 win at Bolton on the opening day.

Allardyce said: "Mark has got all the qualities we are looking for and he can score double figures in goal terms.

"If he can reach the same level over this season I will be delighted.

"His experience in the Premier League is what makes him so valuable for us.

"He also has so much talent to go with that experience. He is a consistent centre forward who can breach the tightest defences."