Smith faces long spell on sidelines

Sep 17 2008 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

IT was a case of one step forward and one step back for Newcastle United’s caretaker manager Chris Hughton yesterday as good news regarding Habib Beye’s recovery from injury was immediately countered by fears that Alan Smith could be out for the next three months.

Smith has not made a first-team appearance this season amid rumours he was going to be sold to Everton during the transfer window. But having failed to leave St James’s Park on deadline day, it now looks as though he will be ruled out until December because of an Achilles injury.

The 27-year-old was sent for another scan yesterday, but The Journal understands the player is resigned to the fact he is going to need an operation and the lengthy recovery period that comes with it.

Although Smith was no longer a regular starter under former manager Kevin Keegan following his failure to score in 37 appearances last season, his presence would have been a major boost to Hughton. Smith has his detractors, but nobody can ever fault his attitude or commitment to the team, qualities which are desperately needed as the Magpies face up to the alarming possibility they could be dragged into a relegation battle this season.

The 2-1 home defeat by relegation favourites Hull City last weekend was a sharp reminder of the potential danger for a team which is forced to play against a backdrop of supporter revolt, and the last thing Newcastle need is a spate of injuries and suspensions. Although both Hughton and club captain Michael Owen have attempted to argue the players will

block out the protests against owner Mike Ashley, there were clearly signs they were affected by the negative atmosphere which has engulfed the club following the departure of Keegan. With that mood showing no sign of lifting in the short term as attempts to appoint a new manager are undermined by Ashley’s public declaration the club is up for sale, Newcastle need all hands to the pump in the next few weeks.

Smith has experienced problems like these before at Leeds United and the striker has the mental strength to cope with the adversity, but he will not be able to use any of that experience because of his injury setback. There was at least some positive news regarding Beye. The Senegal international had also been told he required an operation on an Achilles problem, but United’s medical staff now believe the injury will heal with rest.

It is still not known how long the right-back will be missing – he will definitely not take any part in the trip to West Ham United this weekend – but it will be considerably shorter than if he had been forced to have surgery.

Nevertheless, the injury situation is still bleak for the unfortunate Hughton. Although Damien Duff and Obafemi Martins have a chance of being involved at Upton Park the Magpies will also be without Jonas Gutiérrez and Mark Viduka because of injuries, while Danny Guthrie and Joey Barton are both suspended. That is likely to mean a first Newcastle start for Uruguay international Ignacio Gonzalez in midfield alongside Nicky Butt. Given the fact he only landed in the UK a few hours before kick-off last Saturday, Gonzalez did well when he came on as a second-half substitute and the South American showed enough to suggest he may provide some much-needed creativity.

Hughton said: “Being South American he is good on the ball and that is something he can hopefully bring to the side. These are difficult circumstances, but we just have to get on with it. I’ve not been given any indication as to how long I’m going to be in charge, all I’m focusing on is the group of lads I’ve got in the dressing room.”