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Mike Williamson is in contention to make a shock return to Newcastle United’s first-team against Liverpool.

United head coach Steve McClaren has also ran the rule over French winger Sylvain Marveaux and fit-again full-back Kevin Mbabu in training as he looks to address the shocking run of form from the Magpies.

And Dutch international Siem de Jong is also back in with a shout of a starting place following the horror show at Selhurst Park last weekend.

McClaren knows he can’t rely on the transfer window for another month and is assessing the group he has.

But no player can be certain of their place after back-to-back disappointments against Leicester and Crystal Palace.

Williamson’s return comes after Jamaal Lascelles picked up a hamstring injury in the 5-1 hammering against Palace.

The recalled Williamson, who had been on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Sky Bet Championship, said: “You want to be playing at the highest level you can.

“And if that’s the case I am happy to be back.

“My time at Wolves was a good opportunity and a very good fit with a young group.

“I got on well with the manager (Kenny Jackett).

“Hopefully I can play on Sunday and it will be worth coming back.”

But Williamson, who has not played in a Premier League game since the 2-0 win over West Ham on the final day of last season, said McClaren told him he would be back on contention.

Williamson said on NUFC TV: “I got the phone call on Monday saying to be in training for Tuesday.

“I will train in the next couple of days.

“Jamaal has a hamstring, but I was expecting to be there (at Wolves) for the Christmas period and a couple of games in January.”