Carr’s Newcastle future uncertain

STEPHEN CARR’S future at Newcastle is uncertain after the former Republic of Ireland right-back was reported to have clashed with manager Graeme Souness.

It is understood Carr could submit a transfer request following a bust-up 24 hours before the Magpies’ two 2-0 defeat at Tottenham on New year’s Eve.

The former Spurs player, 29, was expected to return from a two-month hernia lay-off but failed to make the trip. Carr has not played since the home victory over Sunderland on October 23 - soon afterwards he underwent hernia surgery in Germany - and was still missing yesterday for the 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle assistant manager Alan Murray said: “I am reluctant to say anything about Stephen Carr because he trained at 9.30 on Friday morning and was all right, but by noon he wasn’t, so I don’t know.

A cryptic Souness said last night: “I believe there was a bust-up - but it wasn’t with me.”

Meanwhile, striker Michael Owen will undergo an operation to pin his broken toe in Manchester today.

Manager Graeme Souness confirmed that his £17m signing will undergo surgery to repair the metatarsal he fractured at Tottenham on Saturday.

“He will have his operation tomorrow and he will be out for three months,” said Souness.

Owen suffered the injury in an accidental collision with Spurs keeper and England team-mate Paul Robinson in Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat at White Hart Lane.