Live Commentary

Guthrie happy to see McDermott on honeymoon Danny Guthrie was persuaded to join Reading after having his honeymoon interrupted by manager Brian McDermott. Guthrie joined the Royals on a free transfer from Saturday's Barclays Premier League opponents Newcastle in July. The 25-year-old midfielder was impressed by McDermott's determination to lure him to Madejski Stadium. "I was in the last year of my contract and there were numerous meetings between my agent and Newcastle," he said. "We couldn't agree on anything and I was talking to a number of clubs. "The manager came to see me while I was on honeymoon in Dubai and when I came back I'd signed. I was fine with him coming during my honeymoon. It was surprising and a nice gesture. It showed intent. "I mentioned it to my wife Rebecca and she was glad to get rid of me because we were coming to the end of the holiday! It went down well. "Once I met him and listened to what he wanted to do, it was just a case of me getting home and signing the papers." Guthrie enjoyed his time St James' Park, but realised his days were numbered under manager Alan Pardew. "I had four good years at Newcastle. It was bit of a rollercoaster with five managers, but the last couple of years were good," he said. "We had a great season last season and I have nothing but good things to say about the club. I had a period last season just after Christmas where I was playing some of the best football of my career. "But one of the lads came back from injury and went straight back into the team. That was difficult to take, very frustrating, and that's one of the reasons I left. "The manager was honest with me, we tried to agree on a contract but it wasn't going to happen." Striker Jason Roberts has a chance of playing in the clash but faces a fitness test after recovering from a calf injury. Mali winger Jimmy Kebe played against QPR in midweek and his hamstring problem will be assessed before facing Newcastle. Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Pardew was given only one remit by owner Mike Ashley when he handed him his new eight-year contract: "Win every week." The sportswear magnate stunned the world of football on Thursday when he tied up Pardew and key coaches John Carver, Steve Stone and Andy Woodman until the end of the 2019/20 season. Pardew, whose aim is to use the length of the deal to put in place a structure to ensure sustained success for the Magpies, was delighted to have signed it and is now ready to set about the process of justifying Ashley's faith in he and his staff. Asked what the owner's remit was, the 51-year-old replied: "Win every week. "Regardless, there's always pressure when you are Newcastle manager. I am just privileged to be the manager, really, and proud to be the manager of this football club. "To be given an eight-year contract - it hasn't quite sunk in, if I am honest. "But my focus, ever since I entered this game, was to win. I came pretty close at West Ham and I won what you might call a minor trophy at Southampton, but I want to win. "I have won a couple of promotions, I want to win silverware." Newcastle skipper Fabricio Coloccini is out of the trip after suffering a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury. The Argentina international defender, who started the 2-1 Capital One Cup defeat at Manchester United on Wednesday evening, is back on the treatment table and will not figure, and Pardew may also have to do without midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who has a mouth infection. Keeper Tim Krul (elbow) and full-back Danny Simpson (hamstring) are closing in on returns, but neither will make the game.