Pardew to wait on Bent decision Injuries have struck again in time for Sunday's game at home to Newcastle. Whispers earlier in the week that Benty will miss the game were found to have some legs as Pards announced today that he is "highly unlikely" to play. Nevertheless Pardew promised to leave the final decision as late as possible. More on that story here including relevations that Lisbie can shoot straight.

Marcus Bent, Madjid Bougherra and Hermann Hreidarsson are all fit though but Hasselbaink is out as is the influential Ben Thatcher. Newcastle fans have been pretty scathing in their attacks on Glenn Roeder's negative tactics that saw them go out of the UEFA Cup yesterday to AZ Alkmaar and with their season effectively over I wonder what sort of team will turn up at The Valley on Sunday lunchtime. I am trying to worry about us though but it will be another nerve wracking morning.

The game is being shown live on television here, unfortunately on Setanta and not Fox, which I can watch from the warmth of my own bed and be closer to my supply of valium. So I'll be off to the pub for the 8.30am start, getting the benefit of the extra hour we have gained on GMT.

Darren Bent and Scott Carson today made the England squad for next week's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Andorra. Do they need to play, is it that important?  ¶ 21:54