Scottish Mag

Glenn Roeder must decide how far he should gamble in search of European football next season before picking his team to face Portsmouth. Tuesday's news about Michael Owen and Shola Ameobi's long-awaited returns to fitness partly disguised the fact that in the short-term at least, Newcastle United's injury list has lengthened. While the strikers were playing in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Gretna, the club's medical team were at work on Craig Moore, Kieron Dyer, Scott Parker, Antoine Sibierski and Shay Given. Moore seems likely to play at Fratton Park on Saturday, having been left out of Monday's 0-0 draw with Arsenal as a precaution after recent groin trouble. Roeder has said Dyer (hamstring), Parker (knee) and Sibierski (knee) all "have a chance" of doing likewise, but his cautious tone so close to the day of the game suggests there could be an element of risk involved. How prepared the Londoner is to take that risk might reflect how realistic he feels his side's chances of reaching this summer's Intertoto Cup are. The Magpies are currently tenth in the Premier League, five points off what looks likely to be the Intertoto Cup spot. Assuming Manchester United and Chelsea win their FA Cup semi-finals at the weekend as expected, the teams placed fifth to seventh will qualify for the Uefa Cup, leaving the rest to fight it out for a place in the Intertoto - the tournament Newcastle "won" this season by virtue of progressing the furthest of the 11 finalists to reach the Uefa Cup via it. Roeder has already gone on record as saying Newcastle would be prepared to play in the competition again this year, but with English clubs starting to realise the value of a competition which was once widely derided, they will probably have to finish eighth to do so. Bolton Wanderers, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur have all said they would take part if they were to drop out of the top seven by the end of the campaign. Eighth-placed Portsmouth are yet to announce if they plan to do likewise. Harry Redknapp was manager of West Ham United when they won the tournament in 2000 and has spoken recently of his desire to take the south coast club into Europe for the first time in their history. Pompey go into Saturday's clash with a five-point cushion over the Magpies. Of the likely contenders, only Reading have dismissed the possibility of playing in the competition. Blackburn Rovers, who could still qualify for the Uefa Cup if they can reach the FA Cup final, are a point behind Newcastle with a game in hand, away to Tottenham. Roeder must weigh it all up before deciding who should play at the weekend. Ordinarily he would not want to take any risks with players, particularly one with Dyer's dubious fitness record, but a lack of strikers could force him to field someone who is less than 100% fit. While Owen and Ameobi both came through their training ground work-out, Roeder was quick to point out the pair are "a million miles away" from being ready for Premiership football. So if Dyer and Sibierski were both to miss out, it would leave the Magpies without a senior striker to partner Obafemi Martins - except forgotten man Albert Luque. The Spanish international is yet to start a domestic game this season and there seems little reason to believe he will end that run in United's remaining five matches. Given seems certain to miss out at Fratton Park after picking up a groin injury on Monday but, with Steve Harper available, United have a more than competent replacement at the ready. Harper has started 18 games this season. Defender Peter Ramage could also be in contention to play on Saturday. The versatile 23-year-old was not included in the reserve team which entertained Manchester United at Kingston Park last night.

What is a "ginger person" anyway??

I think I could easily get my hands on both.

Aye to think The Sun newspaper and half of England didn't want to let him back in the country after the World Cup..

6 months into his managerial career and he is getting linked with a premiership side..madness

Why not? If he is fit, then he's fit. They are not rushing him back and he is well within the normally recovery time for an anterior cruciate ligament injury, maybe it even took him a bit longer than normal. It's more the fact that they'll play him for the last two games of the season, he'll be picked by boneheed McLaren and 15 minutes into his first game with England the replacement cruciate (they either use the end of your hamstring or a cut from the centre of the patella ligament) will either rupture or he'll get tackled from behind and break his ankle, damaging all the ligaments in it at the same time. I know what they use, I've have a replacement myself. His cruciate ligament should cope with professional football now. Of course there is a risk to get injured. But that's not only down to him playing for England. He might as well get crocked up by a typical clumsy Moore tackle in training (if latter was fit for a change..). Wasn't aimed at you wolfy, just making sure a few of our lesser enlightened members weren't left out. And fuck of course it should be fine but you just know he'll play two games for us, a couple for Ingerland and then be crocked for another season. And what the fuck has moore got to do with it, they have more chance of falling over each other in their rush to the treatment room than in training. The fact that Isegrim thinks that Moore is a no use dirty bastard probably?

Newcastle winger James Milner last night outlined his determination to win a place in Steve McClaren's senior England squad as he admitted his footballing ambitions lie far beyond St James's Park. But the Yorkshireman's immediate focus is on club affairs - with Milner confident United could still complete a difficult campaign as Continental qualifiers. Milner has been among Glenn Roeder's most consistent performers this season and a player whose time as an Under-21 international is nearing an end is determined to ensure that his Three Lions career continues to progress. McClaren was on Tyneside on Easter Monday to watch Newcastle's home game against Arsenal. And although the fixture ended in a frustrating stalemate, Milner hopes he managed to catch the England manager's eye with his efforts. "Every player wants to get into the England team and I'm no different," explained the former Elland Road favourite, who is relishing this summer's Under-21 European Championship finals in Holland - a tournament he hopes will help him secure a place in McClaren's future plans. "I've had a half-decent season and if I keep improving, I'll be knocking on the door. "It's a step up from the Under-21s, who I have played a lot of games for. It will be a great experience for me this summer and that sort of tournament is ideal for trying to move up to the full squad. It gives you vital experience and I'll know what it's like playing in major championships, so in that respect I'm looking forward to it." Although just 21, Milner has played more than 100 times in the Premiership and a player who made his senior debut for Leeds United as a 16-year-old hopes his experience will help him take the next step in his promising career. "I played a lot at Leeds and I played almost every game for Aston Villa last year, but I have still got to keep improving," said a player enjoying his best season yet in a black and white shirt. "I have been around a long time and played games in Europe and in the Premiership and I'm gaining experience all the time. I turned 21 this year - that surprises people because I have been around for five years." Milner's international aspirations will be put on the backburner for the time being as he concentrates his efforts on helping Newcastle to complete their campaign with a flourish. It has been a campaign that has disappointed. But having taken four points from their two Easter fixtures, United's players feel the Intertoto Cup is a realistic target. "We just want to finish as high as we can," said Milner. "People wrote us off on Saturday (at Sheffield United), and against Arsenal (on Easter Monday). We have tough places to go to yet like Reading and Portsmouth - and the small matter of Chelsea at home - but we have shown at home we can push anyone. "We have to finish on a positive note and get into Europe if we can. We have just got to take it a game at a time and attempt to put a string of results together. The Intertoto Cup qualifier could be eighth in the league, so who knows?" Milner is amongst those in Roeder's first-team squad who can take some satisfaction from a troubled season. The England hopeful remains a firm favourite with the club's supporters and is confident his game has improved during the campaign. "It's great to hear your name sung from the terraces," he added. "I've been pleased with my form over the season and have played just about every game. "I feel fresh - even though the season has been long, I am in great shape and I feel as though I have come on in leaps and bounds this year."

Caths Pringle Jumpers...

When the evil Shredder attacks, those turtle boys get out their baldy sacks tbh. "I'm free" tbqf Candid as owt that snap. The photographer definitely caught his secret shame! I like the one of you with my address scrawled on your hand, you fucking sick stalker! Thats nothing compared to the ones of him dancing tbh

Cheats don't win! They come 5th....

I thought we were average...

I am happy with the point but what a fucking terrible game...

Touch and control is something a hell of alot of British players are lacking. Though you could argue that most teams in the premiership don't actually play that many English/Brits. I prefer La Liga and think the premiership over the last couple of years has got worse.

Aye, I got my copy on Thursday Are you any good? I've only done the first couple of songs on easy, as its my flat mates and he is saving it up for finishing his thesis on Thursday Dunno if I am good at it or not? Though I have got over 90% on all the easy songs and I am now working my way through the medium setting..

Aye, I got my copy on Thursday

TRANSFER RUMOURS Chelsea's latest target is Valencia defender Miguel, with Paolo Ferreira going the other way. (Mail on Sunday) Spurs have missed out on German defender Christoph Metzelder, who has agreed to leave Borussia Dortmund for Real Madrid. (Sunday Express) Tottenham will step up the chase for Serbia striker Nicola Zigic when scouts go to watch him on Sunday play against Sevilla. (The People) Carlisle are heading the queue for Middlesbrough centre-half David Wheater. (The People) Man Utd are watching Colchester winger Medi Elito. (The People) Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is aiming to land Spanish 17-year-old Plata, who has yet to sign a pro-contract, from Primera Liga side Malaga. (The People) Everton goalkeeper Iain Turner could back on loan to Sheffield Wednesday, although Toffees boss David Moyes does not want a permanent move. (The People) Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is targeting a summer swoop for Scunthorpe striker Billy Sharp. (The People) Middlesbrough are on the verge of making a £3m bid for Chelsea star Geremi who spent a season on loan at the Riverside. (The People) Sunderland boss Roy Keane wants to sign Newcastle's Nicky Butt. (The People) Man Utd are eyeing an £11m summer move for Sampdoria striker Fabio Quagliarella. (Star on Sunday) Bolton are set to sign Jlloyd Samuel from Villa when the left-back is out of contract this summer. (Star on Sunday) Chelsea are the latest club to show an interest in Ajax midfielder Wesley Sneijder. (Star on Sunday) Everton's move for Preston striker David Nugent could be hit by red tape. (Star on Sunday) Juventus striker David Trezeguet has put Liverpool on alert after claiming he wants to leave the club. (Star on Sunday) Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock is hoping to sign Nigel Reo-Coker from West Ham. (Star on Sunday) Man Utd are set to make a £10m move for Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe. (Daily Mirror) Lille midfielder Jean Makoun claims Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has contacted him about a move to the Emirates Stadium. (Daily Mirror) Wolves goalkeeper Matt Murray is wanted by Nigeria despite having won five England Under-21 caps. (Daily Mirror) Chelsea and Man Utd have joined the race to sign Carlos Tevez from West Ham. (News of the World) OTHER GOSSIP A group of Premier League chairman are behind secret moves to oust Steve McLaren as England manager before the Estonia Euro qualifier. (Mail on Sunday) Fortunately for McClaren, Michael Owen has told him he will be fit in time for the Estonia game. (Sunday Express) John Collins is hotly fancied to replace troubled Fulham boss Chris Coleman this summer. (Sunday Express) John Terry will become the highest-paid Englishman in the Premiership when he signs a £125,000-a-week deal with Chelsea next week. (Sunday People) Xabi Alonso is ready to sit down and negotiate a new long-term deal at Liverpool. (Sunday People) The FA are facing a massive legal war with football agents. (The People) Former Man Utd star David Beckham has warned Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Old Trafford, after rumours that he may be moving to Real Madrid. (Star on Sunday) Newcastle's Peruvian Nolberto Solano is set to sign a new one-year contract. (Daily Mirror) Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho would be willing to become the next England boss. (News of the World) Hong Kong-based businessman Carson Yeung is lining up a £120m bid to buy Reading. (News of the World) AND FINALLY... Former England captain Terry Butcher says the current squad "has definitely been over-hyped". (Sunday Express)

I don't. Have never felt the need to justify anything to anyone as to why i support newcastle tbh..

Thank fuck for that..

Corrected for you..

If scores stay the same we will see Boro and Villa above us..

Starting lineup: Given Solano Taylor Moore Carr Milner Butt Parker Duff Martins Sibierski Subs: Harper, Babayaro, Gooch, Dyer, Emre

FYP. Say what?