First choice goalkeeper Shay Given is out for three weeks, and with his groin problems becoming more regular, Allardyce is seriously looking at alternatives.Second choice Steve Harper is delighted to be given another chance to impress the boss, after spending a spell earlier in the season as Number One, but says a new 'keeper looks inevitable.
Although Harper has praise for youngster Fraser Forster, he knows that should something happen to the Easington-born 'keeper, there wouldn't be cover of any sort on the bench.
Although Harper has praise for youngster Fraser Forster, he knows that should something happen to the Easington-born 'keeper, there wouldn't be cover of any sort on the bench.
Harper: "Even the two younger lads we've got are injured at the moment.
"I'm sure they'd have to go down the emergency route if anything was to happen to me."
Meanwhile Srnicek, who has played 183 games for Newcastle in two spells starting way back in 1990, is ready and willing.
He is back at Banik Ostrava as goalkeeping coach, where he started his career, and would be available.
He originally cost £350,000 and was bought as a replacement for the ageing John Burridge.
He left Newcastle in the summer saying: "It is hard for me to leave this club. I have so many happy memories and I would love to stay".