Newcastle United Football Club

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52193

Dyer aims to bounce back

27 Nov 2006 - 16:13:48

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Newcastle United midfielder Kieron Dyer insists a nasty gash to his thigh picked up in Sunday's 1-0 victory over Portsmouth will not signal the start of a fresh injury lay-off.

The 27-year-old has started the Magpies' last two Premiership matches after being sidelined for six months with hamstring trouble.

Dyer collided with the advertising hoardings during the clash with Pompey but believes he will be fit to retain his place against Reading on Wednesday week - despite sitting out Thursday's UEFA Cup dead rubber with Eintracht Frankfurt.

"I knew the barrier was coming and I caught it at the wrong angle," he said. "I slit my leg open, but it was never going to keep me off the pitch.

"There were no stitches, it is just really deep. I needed it cleaned out and a piece of skin removed. Hopefully it will clear up.

"I don't think I will feature against Frankfurt, but I expect to be playing in our next Premiership match against Reading at St James' Park.

"For me, it is one step at a time, but if it was not for the injuries, I would be up for playing against Frankfurt.

"My hamstrings are not in my mind anymore. I showed at the end I was still running and that is a good sign. I feel strong and I just want to play."