The news is that Parker will start against Croatia today, replacing the suspended Stephen Gerrard and forming part of what is likely to be a 5 man midfield in an expected 3-5-2 formation. Although I?m slightly worried, as our players do seem to have a penchant for acquiring injuries whilst on international duty (most infamously Owen, but also Steven Taylor last season for the U21?s), I am also glad because it seems ages since a Newcastle player was involved in the England squad.

After thinking for a while I was shocked to remember that there was of course Owen not too long ago. However it seems by the length of time it took me to think of him he just doesn?t count in my mind, he has played very few games for England whilst being at Newcastle. After being overlooked for so long I hope our talismanic captain has a better game than our ?starlet? defender Steven Taylor did yesterday in his U21s match against Germany, during which he was sent off.

Back at Newcastle Glenn Roeder has ?penciled in? the return date for Kieron Dyer for the end of this month, ?if all goes to plan?, he added. It seems Dyer?s hamstring injuries rarely go ?to plan? and I, along with (presumably) every other Newcastle fan, will not be holding their breath for the comeback kid.

The call up of Parker, has also reminded me of better times at Newcastle. While we never had the same kind of influence Manchester United did in the England squad during their real glory days ? I can still remember a time when Ferdinand and Shearer once formed an all Newcastle England front line.

Also, on the 20th of this month it will be 10 years since the 5-0 demolition of Manchester United by the Magpies at St. James?. Looking back on these two events makes you realise how far we have come?..

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 11th, 2006 at 1:40 pm and is filed under Newcastle United. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.