DISGRACED Lee Bowyer returns to Newcastle United's squad this afternoon with these words from the Magpies coaching staff ringing in his ears: "We want your style of player here next season."

Bowyer has not kicked a ball in domestic football since his infamous and shocking brawl with team-mate Kieron Dyer at St James' Park in the 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa on April 2.

He was hit with a seven-game ban for instigating the incident that rocked and embarrassed the club, as well as being fined around £200,000 - six weeks wages - by his employers.

The police have met with the two players about the controversial shenanigans, although Newcastle are led to believe that there will be 'no further action taken'.

Bowyer, providing he can shake off a hamstring niggle, will be involved again at Goodison Park today when Newcastle look to dent Everton's hopes of a Champions League place in the penultimate match of the season.

And manager Graeme Souness' assistant, Alan Murray, has given his full backing to the player and insists the coaching staff are keen on Bowyer remaining on Tyneside.

Murray admits the final decision on the matter could be decided by either chairman Freddy Shepherd or even whether or not Bowyer himself wants to stay in the North-East.

"Lee's aware that he made a drastic error of judgement. He made a big mistake and he's paid for it financially and through missing games," said Murray, standing in for birthday boy Souness at the pre-match press conference yesterday morning.

"He feels he has a responsibility to play well for the team, he's that kind of player, he wants to make amends on pitch. Since that incident we've had some really bad results and there have been several reasons for that, but it was certainly a contributing factor. As far as I'm aware we think he's a good player and we want him here.

"The chairman will have an opinion, Lee Bowyer will have an opinion. Who knows what's in the future. As far as football is concerned, we're thinking about keeping good players."

With both Amdy Faye and Charles N'Zogbia struggling with ankle problems the chance of Bowyer making an immediate return to the starting line-up is strong.

There is also a more awkward selection matter for Souness with the return to the squad of skipper Alan Shearer.

Shearer, at his own request, was rested for the midweek trip to Fulham because, in his manager's words, the striker was feeling mentally and physically drained from the previous few weeks, when Newcastle's quest for silverware in the FA Cup and UEFA Cup came to an end.

Both Patrick Kluivert and Shola Ameobi scored in the 3-1 win at Craven Cottage and now a decision must be made on whether to recall the Premiership's record leading scorer.

"Alan is feeling refreshed, is raring to go and glad to be back. It's a great problem to have. We have three strikers raring to go and the manager has a problem - a nice problem," said Murray. "There's no player at this club who is an automatic selection."

It is popularly assumed that Kluivert, who has struggled with injuries in his first year in English football, will be leaving for pastures new. But Murray said: "No decision has been made on Patrick. There's been no meeting between the manager, the chairman or the player."

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