Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas came through a late fitness test to take his place for tonight's UEFA Cup second round clash with FC Basel.
The 20-year-old was put through his paces by physio Paul Ferris on the pitch at the St Jakob Park Stadium, and although he looked uncomfortable barely 30 minutes before kick-off, his name appeared on the team sheet.
Sir Bobby Robson therefore made only two changes to the side which drew 1-1 with Aston Villa on Saturday, Nolberto Solano replacing the suspended Lee Bowyer in midfield and Andy O'Brien returning in place of Steve Caldwell in central defence.
Opposite number Christian Gross also made two changes to the side which secured a 15th league win in 16 attempts at Servette on Sunday as danger man Hakan Yakin came in for David Degen and Sebastien Barberis made way for Philipp Degen at the back.
Basle: Zuberbuhler, Philipp Degen, Murat Yakin, Zwyssig, Atouba, Huggel, Cantaluppi, Chipperfield, Hakan Yakin, Gimenez, Streller. Subs: Quennoz, Ze Maria, Barberis, Rapo, David Degen, Smiljanic, Rossi.
Newcastle: Given, Hughes, O'Brien, Bramble, Bernard, Solano, Jenas, Speed, Robert, Shearer, Ameobi. Subs: Harper, Stephen Caldwell, Dabizas, Viana, Ambrose, LuaLua, Chopra.