Woodgate set for Newcastle debut

By Matthew Jones
February 28 2003

Jonathon Woodgate is likely to face Chelsea on Saturday in place of Steve Caldwell. Solano could also return in place of Biran Kerr, while Bellamy will replace Shola Ameobi in attack. Jermain Jenas is still out with injury so Dyer should partner Gary Speed in central mid.

Jonathan Woodgate could make his long-awaited debut in Saturday's visit of Chelsea while Craig Bellamy and Nolberto Solano could also return.

Robson admits that he faces a tough selection in a defence which he believes is one of the most competent in the country - Steve Caldwell COULD be the man to make way for Woodgate.

"We played Andy Griffin and young Olivier Bernard on Wednesday night and rested Aaron Hughes and Andy O'Brien, and we have Jonathan Woodgate to come in.," said Robson.

"Steve Caldwell hasn't let us down and Nikos Dabizas, captain of Greece, can't get in the side, so we have some very, very good defenders and we can spin it around."

Bellamy is also in line to return in attack in place of Shola Ameobi after missing the midweek win over Bayer Leverkusen through suspension while Solano could replace Brian Kerr on the right.

Jermain Jenas continues on the sidelines with ankle damage so Kieron Dyer, despite worries over his shinsplint injury, should partner Gary Speed in the centre of midfield.