Fit-again Owen heads black and white menace

A team still finding their feet in the Championship will be massive underdogs in the white heat of knockout competition at St James's Park.

For goalkeeper Heinz Muller, defenders Dominik Werling, Dennis Souza and several other squad members it is a rare taste of the big time against a club dubbed 'one of the world's biggest' by boss Davey.

Ahead of the round two clash, Barnsley reporter Simon Meeks spotlights the personalities they will be up against.

Manager

Sam Allardyce. In the spring, left Bolton after a stint of nearly eight years, citing his need for a rest but also admitting the desire to win silverware was behind his decision. Managerial honours include, Fourth Division title 1997-98 with Notts County, Carling Cup and runner-up in 2003-04 with Bolton. He transformed that club into a Premier force.

Goalkeeper

Steve Harper.. Has been playing ahead of Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given, who was injured for first game of the season and on the bench in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough. Enjoyed a regular run in the side in autumn last year and also helped Newcastle to their first ever win in a penalty shoot-out in the Carling Cup against Watford.

Defenders

Abdoulaye Faye. Senegalese defender should complete a 2 million move from Bolton to Newcastle before this week's transfer deadline. Could make debut tonight.

Steven Taylor. 6ft 2in centre-half who came through Newcastle ranks. Former England Under-16 and U-17 skipper.

David Rozehnal. 6ft 3in Czech international. Past clubs include Club Brugge and Paris St Germaine

Charles N'Zogbia. Rated one of the brightest prospects in France. Although still only 21, made his Newcastle debut in September 2004.

Claudio Cacapa. Brazilian with European Champions' League experience gained at Lyon.

Midfielders

Nicky Butt. The 2.5 million buy from Manchester United found himself out on loan at Birmingham last season but is now showing the form that made him a part of Alex Ferguson's all-conquering Old Trafford side. Won 39 England caps.

Geremi. Free transfer from Chelsea. Ex-Real Madrid player,. Won 85 caps for Cameroon.

Alan Smith. 13m paid in transfer fees for the ex-Leeds and ex-Manchester United striker despite his career being blighted by injuries. Newcastle paid 6m for him on August 3. Although a striker for England last week, plays in midfield for Alladyce.

James Milner. 3.6m buy from Leeds. Played almost half of last season at Aston Villa.

Strikers

Mark Viduka. Bought from Middlesbrough for 4.5m. Now 31. The big Australian international has skill to burn. Previous clubs include Celtic and Leeds.

Obafemi Martins 10m signing from Inter Milan last year. Scored 17 goals last season. Nigerian international with 11 goals from 14 international appearances.

Michael Owen. Signed from Real Madrid for 17m. Europoean Footballer of the Year as a youngster in 2001. The former Liverpool FC legend is coming back from injury. He is fully fit at last after missing all of last season and is tipped to start against Barnsley.

Shola Ameobi. More than 200 appearances for Newcastle in seven years. The local lad is likely to be on the bench tonight.