GRETAR Steinsson is poised for a recall as Owen Coyle tries to muster an immediate response from his side at Newcastle United.

The Icelandic defender is likely to come in at right-back, with Marcos Alonso making way from the back four that finished the 3-0 defeat to Fulham on Saturday.

Alonso ended a torrid afternoon by picking up a calf injury – but he was not alone in showing the signs of recent stresses and strains.

And with the fixture schedulers dealing Wanderers a difficult hand – they have had 24 hours less to prepare for this afternoon’s game – Coyle said he would have shuffled his pack regardless of the result at the Reebok.

“I think even if we’d have won the game there would still be a need to make a couple of changes,” he said. “Given the result, there is a lot to take stock of.

“It’s fair to say it will be a test for everyone because Newcastle have had an extra day.

“I don’t think it has been very fair on us but all we can do is deal with it as best as we can.

“We need to get the defeat out of our system because it’s not a particularly nice feeling.”

Chris Eagles, Kevin Davies and Marvin Sordell are also in contention for a start at St James’ Park, where Alan Pardew’s side are on a high following four consecutive victories.

“It’s certainly a big test,” Coyle said. “They are a team going for a Champions League place.

“But we will decide our destiny and whether we stay in the Premier League. To do that, we have to go to tough places and get results.”