Speed out for six weeks after op

NEWCASTLE will head into today’s vital Premiership clash with Liverpool and the opening weeks of the new year without midfield dynamo Gary Speed.

The 33-year-old Welshman this morning underwent surgery on the hernia problem which has been hampering him for several weeks, but finally forced him to the sidelines during Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham.

Speed will be out of action for around six weeks, a lay-off which will deny Sir Bobby Robson one of his most influential players in the Premiership, the FA Cup and possibly even when the Champions League resumes in February.