Speed sidelined for Newcastle

Newcastle will be without influential midfielder Gary Speed for tomorrow night’s Champions League qualifier against NK Zeljeznicar in Sarajevo.

The Wales skipper is sidelined after damaging an ankle in training, while striker Carl Cort will miss out with a groin injury.

Long-term absentees Craig Bellamy (knee) and Laurent Robert (back) are continuing their respective fights for fitness, but Republic of Ireland defender Andy O’Brien is back in contention after recovering from sore shins.

Provisional Squad: Given, Harper, Karelse, Elliott, Griffin, Hughes, Bernard, Dabizas, O’Brien, Bramble, Dyer, Solano, Jenas, Viana, Acuna, Bassedas, Quinn, Shearer, Lua Lua, Ameobi.