DAVID BATTY has been dramatically cleared to play for Premiership leaders Newcastle in tonight's championship crunch match against Manchster United. England midfield man Batty, bought from Blackburn for £3.75 million, was originally expected to miss the match through suspension.

But by delaying Batty's signing until after the start of his two match ban, Newcastle exploited a clause in the Football Association's disciplinary rule book.

"When you start a suspension with one club you have to finish it with that club," said FA spokesman Steve Double. "Consequently, the second game of Batty's ban was Blackburn's match against Manchester City on Saturday.

"He is free to play tomorrow but, ironically, had the Newcastle v Manchester United match gone ahead on its original date instead of being moved for Sky TV, Batty would have been banned!"

Batty's availability is a boost for Keegan, whose club will open a seven point title gap with a game in hand if they win tonight.