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Emre boost for United


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By Alan Oliver, The Evening Chronicle

 

Emre makes a welcome return to the Newcastle United picture for the first time since New Year's Day in tomorrow's UEFA Cup tie with AZ Alkmaar at St James' Park.

 

Glenn Roeder has included the Turkish international in his squad for the first time since the 2-2 draw with Manchester United on January 1.

 

And there was further good news for the United boss today when Republic of Ireland international Stephen Carr pronounced himself fit after sitting out the last five games with a thigh injury.

 

With Michael Owen, Shola Ameobi and Celestine Babayaro still long-term injuries, and defenders Craig Moore and Peter Ramage not quite ready to return, this just leaves Roeder waiting to find out if Damien Duff has recovered from the flu bug which saw his miss Saturday's disappointing goalless draw with Middlesbrough.

 

Roeder is delighted to have Emre back in his squad, although it is still doubtful whether the midfield dynamo will make tomorrow's starting line-up.

 

The United boss told me today: "Emre is back in our squad and I am glad to have him back because his style of play is suited to European football. Before New Year's Day, when he picked up that calf trouble, he had had his longest injury-free run since he came here from Inter."

 

This is a crucial time for Emre - he faces an FA Commission a week on Monday on a charge of racial abuse and, now that he served his international ban, he hopes to play for Turkey in Greece on March 24.

 

But the most important thing is that Emre is back in a black-and-white shirt tomorrow night as United defend their unbeaten European record this season.

 

Added Roeder: "Emre has been a bit down but now he is feeling good about himself and it's good to have him back."

 

The same applies to Carr as, with Babayaro back in the treatment room yet again, the Republic of Ireland defender is an option at left-back.

 

Oguchi Onyewu is not eligible and so Steven Taylor will be back at centre-half.

 

Meanwhile, Roeder was scornful of reports over the weekend that Wigan boss Paul Jewell is ready to move in on Antoine Sibierski.

 

"Sibierski will be signing a new contract for us in the near future," said Roeder.

 

The United chief was also bemused to read reports today that Kieron Dyer was trying to persuade Jonathan Woodgate to return to St James' Park, as the defender is not on Roeder's summer shopping list.

 

And in any case, all the talk in football is that Woodgate will be on his way to Arsenal in an £80,000-a-week move in the summer.

 

I really hope Babayaro fucks off at the end of the season, it's not going to happen with the wages he's on though. Oh well, at least Carr is fit... :lol:

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Either way, I can't see him being around come next season. Not that arsed tbh. We need a replacement with a bit of guile though.

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carr an option at left back. oh, great.

 

Considering Carr is patently not fit in any way and vastly overweight and that in his natural position of RB he is abysmal, if he is played at LB i think that would be a sackable offence such is the level of stupidity!!!

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Guest Patrokles

I can't see the image but i'm guessing it's Guile off of Street Fighter.

Ah right. Can't see the image either.

 

:lol:

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