Defender Steven Taylor returns to the Newcastle squad for the Coca-Cola Championship clash with Peterborough.

The 23-year-old is included after missing the last four games with a hamstring injury.

His return is welcome with loan signing Zurab Khizanishvili serving the second game of his three-match ban after losing an appeal against his punishment for being sent off during the 2-1 victory over Doncaster on October 24.

Manager Chris Hughton otherwise has a clean bill of health with only long-term absentees Joey Barton and Shola Ameobi (both foot) still missing.

However, striker Ameobi could be back by the end of this month after sitting out since August because of his injury.

Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson will have goalkeeper Joe Lewis back in his side for the daunting trip.

The England Under-21 international missed the 2-1 defeat at home to Barnsley last Saturday through suspension after being sent off against Blackburn but will come straight into the starting XI ahead of loanee Ben Amos.

Striker Craig Mackail-Smith could also return after two games out with an ankle injury but he is still doubtful.

Left-back Tom Williams is still out with his ankle problem so Tommy Rowe and new signing Scott Griffiths will battle for the spot.

Midfielder Paul Coutts could also be in contention to start after a foot injury while Ferguson has added Histon midfielder Josh Simpson to his squad.