ALAN Pardew has made five changes to the Newcastle United side that starts this afternoon's Premier League game at Wigan.

Steve Harper returns between the sticks for the first time since mid-September after completing his recovery from a shoulder injury.

Harper replaces Tim Krul, who has paid the price for a dreadful error against Manchester City two games ago despite turning in an improved display at Tottenham last weekend.

Two other changes come in attack, with Shola Ameobi partnering Peter Lovenkrands in the starting line-up for the first time this season in the Premier League.

The duo replace the injured Andy Carroll and winger Wayne Routledge, who drops down the bench.

Carroll is expected to be unavailable for around a month after a scan on Friday revealed significant damage to his injured thigh. Pardew also recalls fit-again full-back Jose Enrique, who plays instead of James Perch, and Kevin Nolan, who replaces Alan Smith in central midfield.

WIGAN (4-5-1): Al Habsi; Alcaraz, Gohouri, G Caldwell, Stam; Thomas, Watson, Diame, Cleverley, Gomez; Rodallega.

Subs: Pollitt (gk), Boselli, S Caldwell, McArthur, Lopez, Figueroa, McManaman.

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

Subs: Krul (gk), Williamson, Perch, Smith, Routledge, Best, Ranger.