Newcastle moves out of Premier League relegation zone

This is a pivotal clash as victory will drag their opponents into the scrap and they certainly have the pace and incision to trouble West Brom, who will attempt to crowd the midfield and limit the influence of Jonjo Shelvey.

Chris Brunt remains sidelined because of a calf problem.

Newcastle United are slowly entering into a crunch period of the campaign.

While it was only two late penalties that put the game beyond them, Steve McClaren’s men were second best throughout and created precious little in front of goal.

“Unconvincing home draws against fellow strugglers Swansea and Aston Villa have renewed familiar fears, although a draw in this one will be received more favourably”.

“Jonny will be out for a couple of weeks which is disappointing but you have to get on with it”, Pulis said. Having threatened to go on strike after being refused a move to Tottenham Hotspur last year, the 22-year-old has been used mainly as a substitute this season. He’s had three or four months of not doing what he should be doing in lots of respects.

Newcastle might have won even more comfortably had it not been for a series of saves by Ben Foster, who needed the help of a post to prevent Andros Townsend from marking his home debut with a goal, but a crowd of 50,152 was left biting its nails as time ran down.

But Pulis is confident he will rediscover his goalscoring touch in the remaining games of the season and help preserve the club’s position in the Premier League. “We would never envisage that in one game, we would lose three defenders, two centre-halves especially”.

Kick-off at St James’ Park is at 3pm.

The Magpies have gone nine Premier League games without a clean sheet – only Sunderland have a worse record in the top flight (10 games).

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored the only goal in the 32nd minute at St. James’ Park.

West Brom have drawn eight of their last 14 matches in all competitions (W3, L3). “You saw when he came on that he offers a threat, he’ ll always score goals no matter where he goes because he is a natural goalscorer”.

Probability of away win: 29%.