Newcastle United boss John Carver has challenged skipper Fabricio Coloccini to prove himself against Tottenham today.

Coloccini returns after suspension.

Carver said: "If it was me, I'd want to prove a point.

"If it was me who had been sent off and I was the captain of the football club, I'd want to perform for the next six games, because I have been sent off and we've had to reshuffle the back four because of it.

"And I think he will give a good response because will be disappointed at what's happened. He'll not want to see this team struggle like they did a few seasons ago and end up in the Championship."