Souness' first mistake?

Graeme Souness will tonight rest Alan Shearer against Norwich City in the Carling Cup.

Souness runs the risk of heavy criticism should Newcastle be defeated. It was at this stage last year that Sir Bobby Robson chose to rest Shearer against West Brom with the subsequent result being a 2-1 defeat.

Elsewhere on the field Souness will make a number of changes. Steve Harper is given a chance in goal, Titus Bramble’s return will hopefully improve our evident defensive frailties and the return of Kluivert and Ameobi will excite the St.James crowd.

Despite the apparent insignificance of the Carling Cup, it is nonetheless a trophy that the Geordies would love to win. Souness must not lose sight of this fact, it is something if taken seriously, Newcastle have an excellent chance of winning.