Newcastle United Football Club News

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

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Injuries mar Magpies win

27 Nov 2006 - 08:52:59

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Injuries to Newcastle United trio Scott Parker, James Milner and Charles N'Zogbia marred the 1-0 victory against Portsmouth on Sunday as Glenn Roeder's side eased their relegation concerns with a spirited display.

All three players are doubts for Thursday's UEFA Cup clash with Eintracht Frankfurt and join Craig Moore and Damien Duff in the St James' Park treatment room.

Roeder said: "Scott Parker pulled a back muscle and had to come off, so that has to make him doubtful for the UEFA Cup trip to Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.

"James Milner took a hefty blow to his hip, though I wouldn't be surprised if he makes it for Thursday.

"And Charles N'Zogbia took a nasty blow to his shinbone which might clear up over the next three or four days.

"Those injuries, and the ones that Craig and Duffer picked up last week, are the downsides to what has been an otherwise excellent week for us.

"The biggest concern at the moment is keeping enough players fit. There won't be another Premiership squad operating with just 10 or 11 players.

"One-nil doesn't tell the true story. Without David James there would have been a couple more goals, and if we had had three it would have been fully deserved.

"But nevertheless, 1-0 was enough. Portsmouth have had a terrific start to the season, but we kicked them out of the way today.

"We defended well enough when we had to - Shay didn't have much to do, and was well-protected.

"Of course, we had to start winning. We have got ourselves uncomfortably close to the wrong end of the table. We knew that at times we had played well enough to pick up points, but we haven't picked them up. But that's one of the reasons why we've stayed mentally strong.

"What the players have shown is an amazing inner strength. They knew it was only a matter of time until we played well and won. And that's happened today.

"It's a pity a couple of those other chances didn't go in to give the scoreline a more realistic look."