Boumsong set for comeback in Cup

Graeme Souness is likely to recall £8million French defender Jean-Alain Boumsong for Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham.

Newcastle are unbeaten in their last eight home games and have conceded only six goals in the process.

That achievement can, in part, be put down to the arrival of Boumsong, who was ineligible for their 3-1 UEFA Cup victory over nineman Olympiakos in Greece.

The former Rangers player will probably win a recall in place of Republic of Ireland international Andy O'Brien.

"You do not have a leg to stand on if the team is doing well but you have to be patient and wait for your opportunity," said O'Brien.

"It is sometimes hard to take when things are not going swimmingly."

Souness also has former Chelsea full-back Celestine Babayaro battling to shake off a knee problem.

Spanish referee Arturo Ibanez sent off Grigorios Georgatos and Athanasios Kostoulas in the opening 43 minutes as Olympiakos were beaten at home for the first time this season.

Newcastle's goals were scored by Alan Shearer from the penalty spot, Laurent Robert and Patrick Kluivert.