The Curse Of Newcastle United

... he must wonder if there is a curse on the club as he saw the loss of skipper Scott Parker to a back-muscle injury, while James Milner and Charles N'Zogbia picked up hip and shin problems.

We all know about Roeder's injuries to strikers, and to add to it, Giuseppe Rossi (on loan from Manchester United) was given compassionate leave.

Roeder: "The biggest concern at the moment is not the players' bravery to play in this situation, it is keeping enough of them fit.

"We lost two last week, two today - we are probably down to 10 or 11 seniors. There would not be another Premiership squad operating with 10 or 11 players.

"I cannot legislate for that. It is not an excuse, it is a fact."