Season 2006-2007

READING

 v

NEWCASTLE UNITED

- Damien Duff (ankle) is out for the rest of the season after getting injured against Portsmouth.
- Shay Given (groin) is still missing after picking up his injury against Arsenal on Easter Monday.
- Michael Owen (groin) was allegedly fit enough to be in the reserves in midweek but wasn’t risked. Has a chance to play some part in this game.
- Shola Ameobi (hip) has now played in two reserve games and is likely to feature.
- Antoine Sibierski (groin) seems to ok after picking up an injury against Chelsea.
- Scott Parker (ankle) is likely to return after missing the Chelsea game last week.

My thoughts:

With 3 games to go in the season, this game sees one side battling it out for the European places whilst the other side languishes in mid table. Sadly for us it’s the home side that are in the hunt for a European place and not ourselves. Who would have thought that at the beginning of the season? Hats off to Reading who have performed remarkable well but like Wigan, they might find their 2^nd season in the Premiership a lot harder.

Our first ever visit to the Madejski Stadium comes on a Monday night, thanks to Skysports and the Premier League yet again not thinking of the fans. Moving this game to a Monday night so late in a long season for the Toon Army will have tested the faith and wallets, of even the most diehard away traveller. The away end is as usual sold out, like it is every time Newcastle United comes to town, but a lot of the Toon Army will be made up from the Southern based fans who snapped up the remaining tickets that went on to general sale. If you look at the facts Newcastle United are taking more fans to Reading on a Monday night for a meaningless game than Chelsea brought to Newcastle on a Sunday whilst challenging for the title. Our fan base and appeal is not to be underestimated, so whilst watching the game spare a thought for the lads and lasses who have travelled around the country every other week spreading the good name of the Toon Army.

The possible return of Shola Ameobi and Michael Owen adds a little bit of extra spice to the game. The return of Shola is a remarkable one, the hip operation he had in November was supposed to be a season ending one with even the possibility of him return to pre-season training late. The research and choice of surgeon should be praised, as it’s not often we gets things right but even more so the determination of Shola to get back so soon must also be praised. The lad has had his critics in the past and on the evidence of some of his performances rightly so but the fact that he played through the pain barrier for so long and has now battled back so quickly, his determination and courage should now be recognised. Will we see a new Shola? Who knows but if he can manage to turn his determination and courage into good performs, we might be in for a pleasant surprise.

Another live game on TV, Foxsports you are really spoiling us. A 5am kick off in the East isn’t ideal but before Newckie shouts at me from the West, it isn’t too bad either. At least we all shouldn’t have to turn up to work late or have to miss the end of the game to go to work. Watching a game alcohol free should be interesting as well, what are going to use to num the pain if things look bad? My suggestion is too close your eyes and scream; well this is just like being on a rollercoaster anyway isn’t it.