After rumours yesterday that United could have ANOTHER goalkeeping problem, as well as the injury to Shay Given, Glenn Roeder has confirmed on the official website that Steve Harper has picked up an injury.
The report says Harper suffered a 'slight injury' in the match with Bolton on Sunday, and that immediately brings Dutch 18-year old youngster Tim Krul (pictured) into the frame. Pavel Srnicek, who was drafted in as replacement for Harper, is not registered for European competition and will not even sit on the bench on Thursday.
Glenn Roeder: "Steve has a slight injury that he picked up in the game on Sunday. It is quite minor. We will have to assess him in the morning and see what he is like then. We're far from ruling Steve out at this stage.
"If Tim had to play, it wouldn't be a problem for myself, or the rest of the squad. He trains with us every day, and is undoubtedly Holland's best goalkeeper in his age group.
"He is a hugely talented young goalkeeper. If we needed to use him at any time in the game, if Steve started and wasn't able to finish, then we would have a lot of confidence in him.
"As I said we will see how Steve is tomorrow, because we have to have an eye on the game on Sunday as well."
Celestine Babayaro is available after completing a three-match domestic ban, but Giuseppe Rossi is ineligible.
NEWCASTLE (from): Harper, Krul, Carr, Bramble, Moore, Taylor, Ramage, Babayaro, Parker, Butt, Duff, Emre, N'Zogbia, Solano, Milner, Pattison, Ameobi, Martins, Sibierski, Luque.