Bruce Puts His Head On The Block

Last updated : 03 November 2005 By Footy Mad - Editor

Former Freddy Shepherd target, Steve Bruce, has been given that dreaded "vote of confidence" by his chairman as he prepares to bring his side to his native Tyneside for Saturday's game with Newcastle United at St James' Park.

Brum are struggling, and when the Chairman starts talking of relegation the alarm bells must be ringing for Bruce. Northern Ireland international Damien Johnson is the latest worry and was sent for scans on a hamstring yesterday.

Bruce: "Johnson got injured on Saturday and is going to have a scan and we won't know how serious it is until we get the results back but it does not look good at the minute."

Stephen Clemence, David Dunn, Muzzy Izzet, Julian Gray and Stan Lazaridis are all definitely out against United with injury, while Mario Melchiot is doubtful.

Newcastle's Nicky Butt cannot face United under the terms of his loan arrangement. The 30-year-old midfielder, who has yet to win over the St Andrews fans (just as he has failed to impress on Tyneside), will not be allowed to play at St James' Park on Saturday because under current Premiership rules no player loaned between Premiership clubs can play against the team that holds their registration.