ACUNA STAYING IN NEWCASTLE

NEWCASTLE`S new signing, Chilean midfielder Clarence Acuna, said on Wednesday that he would not play for his country in their World Cup qualifier against Argentina on November 15 - even though his suspension for a positive dope test is over.

Acuna, who has played 55 times for Chile, said: "I have just arrived here and I did not feel it was the right thing to do to go back and play for my country after such a short time. It would be disrespectful to Newcastle if I did that".

"I still want to play for Chile and after the Argentina match - our next game is in March and I would like to play in that game."

Acuna signed for Newcastle from Universidad de Chile two weeks ago and made his debut for his new club in their 1-0 defeat at West Ham on Saturday.