United to fly out early for Euro return

[Scottish Mag 3]

Glenn Roeder is treating Newcastle United's InterToto Cup the same way he would if the club was in the Champions League.

 

That's why Roeder will take his squad to Oslo next Wednesday to prepare for the second leg a week on Saturday.

 

And Roeder is also banking on taking a good lead to Norway after Saturday's first leg with Lillestrom at St James' Park.

 

With the winners of the tie going through into the UEFA Cup, Roeder could not be treating the InterToto any more seriously than he is.

 

The United boss said today: "We are preparing to go to Lillestrom in the same way as we would if we were going to Chelsea or Manchester United and we will be there next Wednesday.

 

"That will give us four days in Norway to acclimatise ourselves for the game and at the same time it will also give our first- team squad a break from their usual routine."

 

Roeder will be without World Cup pair Jean Alain Boumsong and Craig Moore on Saturday as well as injured pair Michael Owen and Kieron Dyer.

 

And he has check on Shola Ameobi's fitness and the situation regarding Nicky Butt, who has returned to his native North West for family compassionate leave.

 

Roeder was at the training ground at 8.30 this morning talking to Terry McDermott, who saw Lillestrom draw 2-2 at home to Odd Grenland last night.

 

He then supervised training and it was back to the telephone in his search for players before a double date tonight.

 

He will be at the Baltic for a Brain Injury art exhibition and then at Kingston Park for a charity talk-in at the Falcons' new Hiding Place Bar. Tickets are available on the door for the latter event.

 

There is no television coverage from St James' Park on Saturday but I hear that depending on the result there is a chance the second leg will be beamed out live from Norway next weekend.

[niina 0]

I like his way of treating this Intertoto games. Bring some fresh air for us...