Arsenal’s Francis Jeffers has also been handed back to Platt for the game against Turkey at St James’ Park on Tuesday, after Shola Ameobi and Titus Bramble were ruled out by suspension and West Ham’s Michael Carrick withdrew because of injury.
The cynics among you may believe that JJ’s relegation is a ploy to sell tickets after Shola and Titus were ruled out, but after losing to Portugal on Friday the game is a must-win affair for Platt’s men.
It is still staggering to think that Sven-Goran Eriksson actually believes that Danny Murphy is a better footballer than JJ.
The news means that Kieron Dyer is the only Toon player likely to feature in Wednesday’s full international, perhaps making the decision of those of you agonising over whether or not you can bring yourselves to support the home side at the Stadium of Light slightly easier.