Roeder fears Parker is out for rest of season

Newcastle were today awaiting confirmation that midfielder Scott Parker could miss the rest of the season with glandular fever.

Test results will confirm whether or not the 25-year-old is suffering from the illness and, if they prove positive, he will sit out the rest of the campaign and can forget any lingering hopes of making England’s World Cup squad.

That would come as a devastating blow to the Magpies, who have seen the former Charlton player thrive since his £6.5m (€9.4m) summer move from Chelsea to St James’ Park.

“We are still waiting for confirmation but all the signs are that Scott has got glandular fever,” said caretaker boss Glenn Roeder.

“Doctors don’t like to say anything until test results come back, but that is what we are expecting. We think he has had this problem for a month or more, and that sums up everything you need to know about Scott Parker.”

Parker has revitalised his career on Tyneside after a difficult spell at Chelsea during which he struggled to force his way into the team.

He has been a regular when fit at Newcastle, and has reproduced the form which persuaded the Blues to invest £10m (€14.4m) in his services in January 2004.

His central midfield partnership with Turkey international Emre was a feature of the club’s improved form until the run of four successive defeats which has seen the confidence amassed during Roede's first weeks in charge dissipate.

Newcastle face Champions League-chasing Tottenham at St James’ Park on Saturday looking to return to winning ways, but knowing they will almost certainly have to do so without one of their most influential performers.