Smith recalled by Magpies in absence of injured Routledge

WAYNE ROUTLEDGE has had to withdraw from the Newcastle United squad for today's Championship match with Preston at St James' Park. Routledge, the hero of Tuesday's victory over Coventry, has a calf problem and his place on the right has been taken by Danny Guthrie. The switch of position for Guthrie, who played in the middle in midweek, has opened the door for Alan Smith to come back in as captain. Preston, meanwhile, include former Sunderland winger Ross Wallace and ex-Middlesbrough loan man Sean St Ledger in their team. NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-4-2): Harper; Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Van Aanholt; Guthrie, Nolan, Smith, Gutierrez; Lovenkrands , Carroll. Subs: Hall, Krul (gk), Ranger, Taylor, Best, Kadar. PRESTON NORTH END (4-4-2): Lonergan; Jones; St Ledger, Mawene, Williams; Sedgwick, Coutts, James, Wallace; Parkin, Welbeck. Subs: Hart, Carter, Chilvers, Treacy, Henderson, Elliott, Mellor.

Source: Northern_Echo