Out of Tyne?

IT will be some match at St James Park tonight, not necessarily in terms of its prettiness or the quality of the football but because of the significance of the outcome.

Whoever loses between Newcastle and Middlesbrough will surely be relegated from the Premier League. And, if it’s a draw – smart money will go on that one – then both could go down.

Newcastle and Middlesbrough have had appalling campaigns. Newcastle have won just once in 17 games, Boro twice in 22. Each side knows that they have to win the match this evening. It’s only the continuing wretched form of Hull that’s given either of the north-east clubs any cause for optimism.

I saw the Geordies last Sunday at Liverpool. They might have conceded seven or eight goals never mind the three and there was nothing in that display to suggest that they’re going to get themselves out of trouble. I think this is their last hope.

Joey Barton is suspended for the rest of the season after his disgraceful, and worse, unnecessary foul on Xabi Alonso. I can’t think anyone will miss him in the dressing room.

But his absence is double-edged. Yes, he is an appalling individual who’s surely run out of ‘second chances’.

I believe Newcastle took him back after the prison term only because it would have cost them a fortune to pay him off. But he is a very good footballer.

He was Newcastle’s best player at Anfield until the red mist descended. Who else in Newcastle colours has the drive to step up to the plate tonight?