Emre back for Magpies
07 Mar 2007 - 18:05:32
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- Emre back for Magpies
Newcastle United boss Glenn Roeder has been handed a boost in the build-up to Thursday's UEFA Cup clash with AZ Alkmaar with the return from injury of Turkey midfielder Emre.
Emre has been sidelined since picking up a calf injury in the New Year's Day 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
But having spent the last two months on the sidelines, the former Galatasaray and Internazionale midfielder has been passed fit to face the Dutch side in the first leg of the last 16 clash at St James' Park.
On the domestic front, Emre remains in the middle of a racism row and is set to face a Football Association hearing on March 12, but Roeder has backed the Turkey international to put his problems to one side on his return to action.
"Emre has been a bit down but now he is feeling good about himself and it's good to have him back," he revealed.
"I am glad to have him back because his style of play is suited to European football.
"Before New Year's Day, when he picked up the calf trouble, he had his longest injury-free run since he came here from Inter."