Injury blow for Speed

The Welsh midfielder limped off the St James` Park pitch shortly after scoring the opening goal in the win over Tottenham, and manager Sir Bobby Robson revealed after the game that he may need an operation.

"I can virtually guarantee that Gary Speed will need a hernia operation and will spend around six weeks out."

If confirmed, it is likely to rule the midfielder out of action until February.

Newcastle play Liverpool on New Year`s Day, but could face The Reds without the heart of their midfield.

Kieron Dyer and Nolberto Solano both went off at the interval.

Solano was concussed following a challenge with Mauricio Taricco, while Dyer will have scans on a calf injury.

Robson said: "Kieron Dyer is due for a scan tomorrow on a calf condition which was very sore. It was pounding and he was in a lot of pain at half-time.

"Nobby is in hospital having an X-ray. He was concussed, he didn't know who he was - he never does, so that's not unusual! But we need to check it out to see what happens to him now."

Robson continued by praising his side for the spirit they showed in the win over Spurs, but urged them to mirror their home form away from Tyneside.

"It drives you crazy how we play so badly away from home," said Robson. "We have got to improve our away form. Maybe it will come in 2003.

"I am delighted at the players really. It was a tough match on a pudding of a pitch. The back four looked solid."