O'Neill has sent out second string line-ups in the Carling Cup and several UEFA Cup ties earlier this season but he is paying this competition due respect.

Skipper Martin Laursen (knee) will again be absent along with Carlos Cuellar (hamstring) and John Carew (back).

Gareth Barry, Ashley Young and Stiliyan Petrov are all one yellow card away from suspension and a booking at the Priestfield Stadium would rule them out of the derby with West Brom.

Provisional squad: Friedel, Reo-Coker, Davies, Knight, L Young, Barry, Petrov, Sidwell, A Young, Milner, Agbonlahor, Harewood, Delfouneso, Salifou, Guzan, Gardner, Osbourne, Shorey.