Newcastle handed tough draw

Newcastle’s hopes of playing in the UEFA Cup next season were dealt a major blow today when Deportivo la Coruna, Lazio and Marseille stepped into their path.

Graeme Souness’ side will launch their campaign in the third round in Slovakia on Sunday when they take on ZTS Dubnica, who will visit St James’ Park the following Saturday.

However, the winners will then face the side which comes out on top in the clash between Spanish giants Deportivo and Croatian side NK Slaven Koprivnica in the semi-finals, and there is potentially another tough tie for the victors.

If Newcastle make it to one of three finals, they could face Marseille, who play Swiss side Young Boys in the third round, or Italian outfit Lazio who meet Tampere United of Finland.