PETER Lovenkrands is in Newcastle's starting line-up to face West Brom despite the death of his father last Friday.

The striker flew to his native Denmark over the weekend, but has returned to take his place in this evening's top-of-the-table clash at St James' Park.

Lovenkrands scored a hat-trick in the Magpies' last game - last week's FA Cup replay win over Plymouth - but Chris Hughton has made five changes from the victory over the Pilgrims.

Steve Harper returns in goal, with Danny Simpson replacing Ryan Taylor at right-back for the final game of his current loan spell from Manchester United.

Danny Guthrie starts on the right of midfield in preference to Fabrice Pancrate, with Alan Smith returning to central midfield in place of Nicky Butt.

Shola Ameobi partners Lovenkrands in attack, with Andy Carroll dropping down to the bench.

NEWCASTLE (4-4-2): Harper; Simpson, S Taylor, Coloccini, Enrique; Guthrie, Smith, Nolan, Gutierrez; Ameobi, Lovenkrands.

Subs: Krul (gk), R Taylor, Pancrate, Butt, Carroll, Kadar, Ranger.

WEST BROM (4-5-1): Carson; Cech, Olsson, Tamas, Jara; Brunt, Koren, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Thomas; Bednar.

Subs: Kiely (gk), Cox, Moore, Mattock, Zuiverloon, Miller, Teixeira.