Elma

I heard last summer that privately he was saying how much he wanted to make it work at NUFC and he was prepared to work at it. All credit to the bloke to be honest - he's certainly changed my opinion of him. The adage is, "never sign a payer from Man Utd", and until recently I would have agreed with this. I'm hoping Roeder continues to select him whilst on form, rather than just bring Parker back in as that would send out the wrong signal to everyone at the club. For once I think we might have a manager who does back up saying that 'the in form player gets the shirt' with his actions. other recent managers (Keegan, Robson, Souness) have said that but then tended to play their favourite/perceived first choice players when fit no matter how well the 'stand-in' has performed.

Personally I think Dyer has to play. His pace alone is worth starting him and it gives defenders a double problem if he and Martins are both in there. Whether Dyer starts in midfield or up front is another point and probably depends upon Sibierski's fitness.

Just heard from someone who was at training. The following all played a full part in the session and appear fit for selection: Sibierski Parker Dyer Emre Duff

It won't be that long....initially they thought they would leave him out of Frankfurt to let it heal, but on Friday last week the medics said he would need to miss a further two, as they can't stitch it properly and that is how long it will take to knit. If he's not there against Blackburn then I'm sure he'll be fine for Chelsea. Depending on what we get from Blackburn I personally would be tempted to give him one more game off to make sure it's fine as I can't see us getting much from Chelsea anyway. We'll see.

I heard that he would be missing for two games last Saturday which suggests he will be out against Blackburn. If in doubt though I would rest him against Chelsea too, although that might change depending upon how things go at Blackburn

I think Dyer is desperate to play. Probably more like the medical staff being cautious/paranoid than Roeder, although obviously Roeder will have the final say.

I don't think they could stitch it due to the nature of the wound (more of a flesh tear)....hence why he's been told he can't play until its fully healed.

Because he wanted to play on against Portsmouth. Now that the game has finished and he's been in hospital with it, perhaps the club doctors/medical team are putting pressure on him not to play this week in order to let it heal properly. I bet he wants to play really. I bet he wants to play

yuck yuck yuck eh? Was told by a mate at the club. Told me after training on Tuesday. I posted about Dyer playing in the "Dyer to be back in squad for Charlton match" thread just after 9am in the morning, before it was announced on www.nufc.co.uk. http://www.newcastle-online.com/nufcforum/index.php/topic,31010.0.html Am not saying they aren't injured - just a day before the game I heard they were being rested and bearing in mind neither played and Dyer did (as I was also told) then it seems a fair assumption it's correct.

As I said on the Dyer thread, I was told on Tuesday night that Parker and Carr were to be rested with Saturday in mind - no mention of an injury.

I was told on Tuesday night that Dyer was on the bench and would come on. I was also told Parker and Carr to be rested with Saturday in mind - no mention of an injury.

Ahem....see my post...fourth from the bottom: http://www.newcastle-online.com/nufcforum/index.php/topic,31010.0.html

I've heard he'll be on the bench tonight and probably come on. That's why he was taken off early against Darlo. Sorry if this has already been posted. I haven't read the full thread. Also expect a couple of senior players to be rested for the weekend. Rossi up front with Martins and N'Zogbia to come back in.

Would be surprised and delighted if we get the three points against Brum to be honest...they are doing very well atm and fighting for their lives. We might have Emre back, but that's about it unless something drastic changes this week. Think we'll struggle.