Duo to miss out

By Matthew Jones
August 3 2002

Sir Bobby Robson's men step up their pre-season preparations on Saturday at Wolves, but Laurent Robert and Andy O'Brien will not be risked.

Sir Bobby Robson's men step up their pre-season preparations on Saturday at Wolves, but Laurent Robert and Andy O'Brien will not be risked.

The duo have niggling injuries and will be left out of the squad at Molineux in a bid to be fully fit for Wednesday's clash with Barcelona.

Robert is struggling with a back problem, while O'Brien has a shin injury.

Hugo Viana - a scorer in midweek against Forest - is expected to take up the left-sided role and Steve Harper will play in goal with Shay Given away at his brother's wedding.

Titus Bramble is expected to start again at the heart of the defence alongside Nikos Dabizas.

Meanwhile, the reserves defeated Oldham 2-1 on Friday night with Shola Ameobi and an own goal handing the Magpies a win.

Friday's Line-up: Karelse, Griffin (Brennan), Elliott, Marcelino, Caldwell, Bassedas, McClen, Acuna (Orr), Cort, Ameobi, Quinn Subs: Zola, Bell, Robson, English, Dunn.