Roeder happy to have Rossi

Glenn Roeder is happy to have Giuseppe Rossi available for selection again.

Glenn Roeder is happy to have Giuseppe Rossi available again after Sir Alex Ferguson complained about the striker's lack of appearances at Newcastle United.

Rossi is currently on loan at St James' Park from Manchester United, with Ferguson wanting the youngster to gain first-team experience.

But Rossi has started just two Premiership games for Newcastle and Ferguson expressed his unhappiness at the situation over the weekend.

He is ready to bring the forward back to Old Trafford in January, although Roeder does not want to be drawn into a row.

Instead, the Magpies manager is looking forward to being able to select Rossi for Wednesday's Premiership game with Reading.

"I have not been in contact with Sir Alex," said Roeder.

"An experienced manager, as he is, he will understand I have got to do my job the way I see it.

"Seppe Rossi was at a funeral in Milan for our last Premiership game against Portsmouth, and of course Manchester United did not want him playing for us in Europe.

"But he is available again tomorrow and I am delighted he is. He should play some part for us."