Speed misses out on comeback

Last updated : 31 January 2003 By Martyn Elliott

It is unlikely that the Welshman would have started ahead of either of the in form pair of Kieron Dyer and Jermaine Jenas, but he would have been on the bench.

"I trained yesterday and that's me now as far as fitness. After today's training that'll be me pretty much fit though I've got to speak to the gaffer," Speed told the Evening Chronicle.

"My fitness is good and I'll see what happens. I'm ready for the Middlesbrough game - that's if I can win back my place!

"Next week I'll have a full week's training. I've done everything with the physios and fitness coaches and I'm feeling good.

"It's been four weeks and I feel I'm ready but it depends on the manager. I'll wait and see but obviously it's helped that I've been able to run since the end of the first week. I've been running full pelt for two weeks now.

"I'm not as fit as I normally would be and I don't know if the manager feels I need a reserve game."