Magpies take win but await Jenas injury news

Newcastle 2 ZTS Dubnica 0

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness is sweating on a new injury blow to Jermaine Jenas after his side’s Intertoto Cup stroll over ZTS Dubnica at St James’ Park today.

Jenas was replaced at half-time in the 2-0 win which was sealed by Alan Shearer’s late double to wrap up a comfortable 5-1 aggregate success.

The midfielder – who has been the subject of transfer speculation this summer - missed the first leg last week with a mystery injury.

And the same problem flared up in the first half today, leaving Jenas a major doubt for next week’s semi-final first leg in either Spain or Croatia.

Souness said: “Jermaine is feeling a groin or hamstring but the physio feels it might be something which is more to do with his back.

“At this point of the season you can’t afford to be pushing people at this stage. They have only been back a few weeks and you are risking a great deal asking him to play on in that situation.”

Jenas’ replacement, striker Michael Chopra, will also face tests after lasting just 15 minutes before being forced off suffering from concussion.

Newcastle are now left with only a single fit striker in the in-form Shearer but Souness would not be drawn on the club’s bid for Fenerbahce’s Nicolas Anelka.

The manager said he was satisfied with his side’s performance in a low-key encounter which had been effectively wrapped up after the first leg success.

“We would have liked to have scored earlier today and made them sit back a bit more but we were patient and got our rewards.

“We have got to look at the big picture and we have won 5-1 in a tie after having been back in training for just two weeks.”