Woodgate Loosing Fitness Battle

By Matthew Jones
July 21 2003

Jonathon Woodgate will not be playing in Newcastle's first game of the Asia Cup against Birmingham City on Thursday. Also, former Newcastle defender John Beresford feels that Newcastle will have a hard time out there in the intense humidity.

Newcastle United have had to rule out key defender Jonathan Woodgate for their opening Asia Cup game against Birmingham on Thursday.

Although he is making good progress, his thigh strain is still giving him some bother and he with Titus Bramble able to partner either Steve Caldwell or Andy O'Brien at the heart of the Newcastle defence, it would be stupid to risk Woodgate.

The England International should replace either Caldwell or O'Brien at the weekend, when Newcastle will play their second game of the tournament.

It will not be easy for The Magpies' out there in Malaysia, as former Newcastle defender John Beresford has told them. He fears that the intense humidity in Malaysia may hamper Newcastle's bid to win this week's Asia Cup.

"What everyone wants is for United to play the kind of attractive, free-flowing football which has taken them to successive top four finishes," said Beresford.

"But that will only be possible if the players pace themselves. It's so humid out here that one run really knocks you for six.

"It's a killer. The players will struggle to catch their breath."

United will take on Birmingham, Chelsea and the Malaysia national team in the tournament. Their first game will be against Birmingham on Thursday.

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