FIGHTERS from Boldon Boxing Club have taken both sides of the Atlantic by storm.

John Sanderson represented a North East select team who flew out to Chicago for a six-day visit, earlier this month, while Paul Gidney was in action in Liverpool last week, to take on a much-fancied local fighter.

Both boxers were victorious in their bouts, and Boldon boxing coach Tim Codling was quick to praise his fighters.

He said: “Both lads are a credit to the club, themselves and they did South Tyneside proud.”

Sanderson took on Mexican Carlos Sanchez, from the Mexicana Boxing Club, in front of a 2,000-strong crowd.

Having already won the Fire Fighter Championships, the North East Novice Championships and reaching the National Novice quarter-finals – where he lost a very debatable bout 21-20 to the eventual outright winner – he has had a busy season so far.

Sanderson stormed to an early lead using his speed to build up the points against the strong bull-like Sanchez.

The second round saw both men standing toe-to-toe, trading punches to body and head.

A big left-hook caught Sanchez to force a standing count, giving the crowd plenty to shout about.

The last round saw Sanderson back to his clever boxing to keep his very game opponent on the back foot.

This saw him win a very good contest, and also helped the North East select to claim an 8-5 victory, to cap off an enjoyable trip to the USA.

Sanderson’s performance in the States more than impressed his coach.

Codling said: “John has had the opportunity of a lifetime to box in America on such a big stage, in front of so many people, and to perform as he did was outstanding.”

Gidney’s fight saw him travel to Ellesmere Port to take on local favourite Alex Foulkes, of the Wirral Boxing Club.

The fight was an entertaining bout that both men used as preparation for the senior ABAs, which start in March.

A fast-paced first round saw Gidney’s movement cause problems for Foulkes – as the Boldon man repeatedly scored with clever combinations then moved out of range, before his opponent could counter-attack.

The second saw Foulkes trying to cut off Gidney’s movement, but to no avail, as quick jabs and uppercuts rained in on the Liverpool man – allowing Gidney to take a comfortable lead into the last round.

The relentless Boldon boxer’s ring craft in the last further frustrated Foulkes, and saw him win by a unanimous points decision.

Gidney’s victory on Merseyside further supported his coach’s belief in him.

Codling said: “Paul took a daunting trip to Liverpool as a step towards the ABAs, and put on a great display of boxing.

“If he continues in this way, he has nothing to fear, and could go one better than his semi-final appearance in 2009.

“Paul always gives it 100 per cent every time he steps into the ring.”

Twitter: @shieldsgazsport

NEWCASTLE United midfielder Yohan Cabaye insists he’s learned from his three-game suspension as he prepares to return to the team.

The France international is back in contention after serving a three-match ban for violent conduct following an incident involving Brighton’s Adam El-Abd during the FA Cup tie at the Amex Stadium on January 28.

{http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/cabaye_banned_for_three_games_after_appeal_fails_1_4201219|Cabaye banned for three games|Cabaye banned for three games}

The 26-year-old former Lille player is desperate to make a return against managerless Wolves at the weekend, and revealed he has upped his training in a bid to secure a place in Alan Pardew’s side.

“Three matches out was so long for me, and then another week without a fixture as well,” Cabaye said.

“It was very frustrating how it happened at Brighton but that is football and I have learned from it.

“But I have worked hard to be ready and fit again.{http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle_united_boss_hails_return_of_iconic_players_1_4271756|Pardew hails return of ‘iconic’ players|Pardew hails return of ‘iconic’ players}

“During my time out I have been training with the team as normal but also training on my own at home.

“I wanted to stay as fit as possible so have been running and using the gym at home. If the manager selects me against Wolves I will be ready.”

{https://twitter.com/#!/rossgregory9|Follow Ross Gregory on Twitter here|Follow Ross Gregory on Twitter here}

BIRDWATCHERS on Tyneside will be more than happy with the news that the Magpies’ games against the Canaries and the Swans have been chosen for live television coverage.

And because of this, Newcastle United’s original fixtures against two of the promoted sides from last season have been re-arranged.

The visit of Norwich to St James’s Park has been put back a day to Sunday, March 18, with a 4pm kick-off, while Newcastle now make the trip to Swansea on Good Friday, April 6, for a 4.30pm kick-off.

Both games will be shown live on Sky Sports, as will Sunderland’s home game against Tottenham Hotspur, which has been switched to 12.45pm on Saturday, April 7.

]]> 1.4273475 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:14:49 +0000 http://www.jarrowandhebburngazette.com/hebburn_back_in_the_promotion_frame_1_4273448

HEBBURN Town fired themselves back into the Northern League Division Two promotion frame last night – but Jarrow Roofing and South Shields remain too close to the bottom of Division One for comfort.

Goals from Paul King and Alex Benjamin gave Hebburn a hard-fought 2-0 win at Whickham, but Roofing remain in the relegation zone after a 4-2 defeat at home to Bishop Auckland.

And Shields conceded twice in the last couple of minutes to go down 2-1 to fellow strugglers Tow Law Town.

Hebburn were made to work hard for their victory at a windy Whickham. Home skipper Paul Cavanagh missed a golden opportunity before King’s free-kick midway through the first half put the visitors ahead.

Paul Gardiner was fortunate to only pick up a yellow card after a late challenge on former team-mate Paul Hutchinson, which led to the Whickham defender limping off, before Benjamin and Dean Walker spurned chances to double the lead at the start of the second half.

Whickham then pinned Hebburn back in their own half, and Adam Cole twice went close to an equaliser, but Benjamin beat the offisde trap on the counter-attack to slot past Scott Cresswell and seal the win for Paul Bennett’s men, which moved them up to sixth, just two points off the final promotion spot.

If they do go up, it seems increasingly likely they will take the place of Roofing in the top flight, after they fell to defeat against Bishop Auckland.

Kris Hughes cancelled out Stephen Slavin’s opener for the visitors, but Bishops surged into a 3-1 lead thanks to goals from Darren Richardson and Craig Addison.

Anthony Myers gave Roofing hope by pulling a goal back, but as they pressed for an equaliser, Roofing were undone on the break by Andrew Johnson, who sealed the win for Bishops.

The result leaves roofing third-bottom, three points behind Penrith but having played six games more.

Second-bottom Tow Law closed the gap on Roofing after their late show against Shields, who are now 17th after a difficult season.

The Mariners were foiled time and again by Lawyers goalkeeper Stephen Robinson, before being stunned by a double strike in the dying minutes of the game.

Robinson produced heroics in the first half to save from Peter Kane, Ivan Stoyanov, and skipper Jamie Scope, but was eventually beaten on the hour mark when a corner on the right was fired into the box by Matthew Soulsby, and the ball eventually fell to Stephen Ramsay who rifled home.

Robinson then prevented Kane from doubling the lead, while at the other end Andrew Thompson grazed the post with an effort.

But with three minutes remaining, Tow Law broke forward and Mark Nixon fired the ball through a group of players to level the scores.

And things got worse for Shields a minute later as Matthew Scott blasted home to seal all three points for his side.

]]> 1.4273448 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:11:20 +0000 http://www.jarrowandhebburngazette.com/transfer_rumours_feb_22_update_demba_ba_asamoah_gyan_newcastle_sunderland_liverpool_arsenal_manchester_united_manchester_city_chelsea_leicester_1_4273420

TALK of Demba Ba leaving Newcastle United in a cut-price deal won’t go away, while Asamoah Gyan is being urged to quit Sunderland full-time. Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are also in the news today.

Newcastle have been warned they could lose top scorer Demba Ba, 26, for just £3.5m this summer – Daily Star

Al-Ain coach Cosmin Olaroiu has urged Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan to make a permanent move to the Pro League leaders – The National

Leicester City are planning to hold talks with Aston Villa regarding the future of on-loan striker Nathan Delfouneso – Sky Sports

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is in the hunt for 21-year-old Ghana international defender Daniel Opare, who has impressed for Standard Liege this season – the Sun

Liverpool are one of three clubs believed to be monitoring the form of 26-year-old Hertha Berlin midfielder Raffael – talkSPORT

Manchester City may make a summer move for 24-year-old Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain – Daily Mail

{http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/transfer_rumours_update_february_21_newcastle_united_sunderland_manchester_united_arsenal_liverpool_everton_and_west_ham_west_brom_cardiff_1_4269420|Yesterday’s Transfer Rumours|Yesterday’s Transfer Rumours}

Uruguay international Edinson Cavani, 25, will quit Napoli this summer if Chelsea knock them out of the Champions League and has targeted a move to the Premier League – and possibly to Stamford Bridge – Evening Standard

Arsenal are ready to open fresh contract talks with winger Theo Walcott, midfielder Tomas Rosicky and striker Robin van Persie after the trio indicated they are keen to stay at the club – Metro

Chelsea are targeting Arsenal and England winger Theo Walcott and could be willing to swap him for Stamford Bridge striker Daniel Sturridge – the Sun

Javi Garcia’s agent has rejected reports that Manchester United have made an offer for the Benfica midfielder – Sky Sports

Arsenal and Liverpool are believed to have have reignited their interest in Werder Bremen attacking midfielder Marko Marin, 22, who has been dubbed the German Lionel Messi – Footylatest

Log on again tomorrow for the latest Transfer Rumours.

LABOUR MPs are calling on Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley to reconsider his decision to scrap the name St James’s Park.

The 12 MPs, including Jarrow’s Stephen Hepburn, have signed a House of Commons motion which describes the change to Sports Direct Arena as “corporate vandalism”.

Ashley caused outrage among fans in November, when he announced that the stadium, which had been called St James’s Park for 119 years, was being re-branded.

Anger among fans grew last week when workmen removed the famous metal sign from outside the stadium.

Yesterday MPs from across the North East, and as far afield as Mansfield and Derby, signed a motion to the Commons, which says: “That this house deeply regrets the decision to re-brand the historic home of Newcastle United Football Club, St James’s Park, and condemns the corporate vandalism perpetrated by the club’s owners in removing the name St James’s Park from the stadium.”

The motion mentions concerns raised by Virgin Money, the club’s new shirt sponsor, about the name change, and Newcastle City Council’s refusal to change road signs directing motorists to the ground.

The motion is signed by Labour MPs Ian Mearns, Pat Glass, Catherine McKinnell, Chi Onwurah, Nick Brown, Ian Lavery, Dennis Skinner, David Anderson, Mary Glindon, Stephen Hepburn, Alex Cunningham and Sir Alan Meale.

A spokesman for Newcastle City Council said: “Many thousands of fans have made their opposition to the name-change very clear, and the city council is sad to see the club follow through on its decision to rename St James’s Park.

“We’ve already said we won’t be changing any signage around the city centre and, no matter what the signage says, it will always be St James’s Park to the people of Newcastle.”

The club declined to comment on the issue today.

Twitter: @shieldsgazjoe

THERE’S always the one that got away at every football club – and Alan Shearer was the perfect example at Newcastle United.

Shearer slipped through the club’s net as a youngster, and that proved a costly mistake.

More recently, Adam Johnson, now at Manchester City, was associated with the club as a schoolboy, but it was at Middlesbrough that he was given his chance.

However, Newcastle hit the jackpot with Andy Carroll, and owner Mike Ashley, understandably, is keen to see more local talent in the first-team at United.

Ashley’s not alone. With a chill financial wind blowing through football, and the Financial Fair Play rule coming into force, clubs are increasingly looking towards their Academies, and not an inflated transfer market.

“Mike’s been down to see the Academy and speak of his vision for the future,” Academy director Joe Joyce told the Gazette.

“He’s constantly given information about who’s progressing, and he takes a real interest in the whole structure, and the running, financing and productivity of the Academy.

“Ultimately, that’s what we’re here to do – produce players. It’s very difficult to produce players for a Premier League club, but we’ve seen Tim Krul this season make a big mark on the big stage. Sammy Ameobi’s had an introduction to first-team football, as has Haris Vuckic.

“I believe there’s one or two players in the Academy who can compete at that level.

“We’ve got to make sure that if we do get an Andy Carroll into the team and he moves on, we get the next player into his boots – that’s the long-term vision.”

The next stage in the Academy’s development is to be awarded Category One status, and the club’s getting audited next month.

Part of a radical overhaul of Academy football, the new system has its critics, not least from clubs outside the top flight, but Joyce believes the status will help United to recruit players from across the country.

“To achieve achieve category one status would mean that us, as a football club, will be involved only with other category one clubs,” said Joyce.

“If, for example, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton and Aston Villa achieved that status, our games programme would revolve around playing those teams.

“The other main point is that it would open up the whole country for recruitment. If there was a player from Swindon, for example, Newcastle could bring that player in from the age of 12.

“At the moment you can only recruit from within 90 minutes of your training ground.”

However, it’s a double-edged sword, with the region’s talent also available to other clubs.

“What category status would mean is that the North East is opened up to the other category one clubs – Manchester United and Arsenal will be up here looking for the best talent,” added Joyce.

“What we also have to do is make sure what we have in the North East is the best the area can offer.

“And we can guarantee any young player who’s born and bred in the North East, and wants to play for Newcastle United, that the programme’s going give him every opportunity to become that next No9, if that’s the case.”

]]> 1.4272094 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:15:00 +0000 http://www.jarrowandhebburngazette.com/newcastle_starlet_remie_streete_praises_club_s_academy_1_4272092

OWNER Mike Ashley’s vision for a self-funding Newcastle United relies heavily on the success of its youth system. Miles Starforth spent the day at the club’s Academy.

BIG-name signings capture the imagination, on Tyneside as elsewhere.

But nothing quite excites fans as much as homegrown talent.

And the North East has produced a fair few of English football’s all-time greats.

Spotting talent is one thing, but moulding young players into footballers capable of playing on the bigger stage is another thing entirely.

At the top level, that’s the task of the Premier League’s Academy system.

A few hundred yards from Newcastle United’s first-team training ground in Benton lies the club’s youth set-up.

It’s an unassuming building from the outside, bordered by a railway line and a housing estate, but the work done on the windswept pitches is central to Mike Ashey’s vision of a self-sufficient club.

It was from these fields that Andy Carroll – whose £35m transfer to Liverpool is a British record – honed his skills, and where South Tynesider Remie Streete, who captain’s United’s Under-18s, is learning his trade day in, day out.

The 17-year-old – whose father Floyd was a professional footballer – is one of a bright crop of young players under the tutelage of Dave Watson, the former Everton defender.

Spotted while having a kickabout, Streete, a powerful centre-half from South Shields, now regularly trains with Alan Pardew’s first-team.

“It’s a good set-up,” Streete told the Gazette. “I was at Boldon, and I played for Harton as well, and I’ve been here three years.

“It’s been good coming in to train with good players and in good facilities.

“We do a lot of college work too. We’ve got some of the best teachers as well as the best coaches.

“Everyone’s here to help us. We’ve just got to keep working hard, and let everyone help us.

“I was at Sunderland when I was nine for two or three months, but I didn’t really enjoy it. I just wanted to play with my mates when I was younger.

“I went back to my boys’ club, and got picked up by Newcastle when I was 13.

“I think I was playing football in a park with my mates. I got told I was going to France with them the day after. I hadn’t been abroad to play football before, and it was a great opportunity, especially with Newcastle.”

Pardew has kept a watchful eye on the Academy since taking charge at the club, and was at St James’s Park to see Streete captain Newcastle to victory in their fifth-round FA Youth Cup tie against Queens Park Rangers earlier this month.

And Steven Taylor – who also came up through the ranks – has been helping Streete adjust to the demands of first-team sessions, along with captain Fabricio Coloccini.

“I trained with the first team quite a bit recently, and that can only improve me,” added Streete.

“I just listen to what the likes of Steven Taylor and Coloccini have to say to me. I take it on board, and hopefully learn from them.

“There are quite a lot of players who have come from the Academy like Shola (Ameobi) and Steven Taylor.

“They know where I’m coming from – they know what it’s like coming from the Academy. They just try and help you.”

And the more local players that follow the path of Ameobi and Taylor, the stronger Newcastle will be going forward, on and off the pitch.

CRAIG Gardner says he holds no grudges against Martin O’Neill for selling him while manager of Aston Villa.

And now the midfielder’s hoping to work his way into the new Sunderland boss’s plans second time around.

Gardner was just a young player coming through the ranks at Villa Park when he was allowed to move on to Birmingham City in a deal worth £3m in January 2010.

The move worked out for the then 23-year-old who went on to become a first-team regular at St Andrews, scoring 10 goals in 37 appearances last season, as well as being part of the team that won the Carling Cup.

And Martin O’Neill has gone on record recently saying Gardner has improved as a player since he was last under his charge.

Gardner, though, says that he was the author of his own exit at Villa Park, revealing: “To be honest, I’ve read a bit about the gaffer selling me previously but it doesn’t really paint the full picture.

“The truth is I wanted to leave, I was desperate to go because I wasn’t getting games and that’s why I was allowed to move – I was pestering him every day about going because I wanted to play football.

{http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/my_wembley_dream_is_on_says_sunderland_ace_kieran_richardson_1_4265395|My Wembley dream is on, says Sunderland star Kieran Richardson|My Wembley dream is on, says Sunderland star Kieran Richardson}

“The gaffer didn’t want me to leave but I needed to go because I knew that reserve team football was no longer any good for me if I was going to develop as I wanted to.”

Gardner had seen enough of the Northern Irishman though to know that he would love to play for him again, and he has enjoyed seeing his team-mates at Sunderland begin to appreciate the abilities of the new manager.

“The way he turned Aston Villa around was unbelievable and the way he has turned Sunderland around is unbelievable,” added the 25-year-old.

“Some people say he’s a genius, some people say he’s lucky; but he can’t be lucky because he does it every time.

“He’s just a top bloke and a top, top manager.”

ALAN Pardew has his “iconic players” back for Newcastle United – and they’re ready to maul Wolves.

Pardew welcomes back Yohan Cabaye from suspension and Cheik Tiote from the African Cup of Nations for Saturday’s game.

Cabaye has been banned for three games, and his fellow midfielder Tiote hasn’t featured since last month’s win over Manchester United.

United were beaten 5-0 by Tottenham Hotspur in their last outing, but they’re sixth in the Premier League, and a win would lift them into fifth place ahead of the Tyne-Wear derby on March 4.

“Now I have my strongest squad to pick from since Man United,” said Pardew.

“We’ve come through the period without our iconic players, with some fantastic results still.

“That’s where we are. We’re hurt, but we’re still in a great position. We’re looking forward.

“Fifth in the table with a win has got to be the objective. That’s what we will work on between now and Saturday.

“We’re still disappointed with the Tottenham result, and I’ve seen that on the training ground this week.

“By our own standards, we need to make sure that never happens again.

“More importantly, we have two home games. Our home form’s good – we’ve won our last three. Our home form’s strong.”

Tiote returned to training on Monday after a short break after the tournament, in which his Ivory Coast team were agonisingly beaten in the final by Zambia on penalties.

Pardew went on: “Everybody’s fit. Cheik’s come back on the training ground and lifted everything.

“That’s because of the way he trains. One or two have felt his presence! That’s in a good way!”

The Wolves game will also see Papiss Demba Cisse – who marked his home debut against Aston Villa with a goal – start alongside his Senegal team-mate Demba Ba.

“It’ll be a full home debut,” said Pardew. “Our fans will be coming along to see how he performs, and I’m pretty sure he isn’t going to let them down. We’re all looking forward to it.”

Meanwhile, Pardew has warned his players to be wary of third-bottom Wolves, despite them having yet to appoint a new manager to replace Mick McCarthy.

“We come in against a team who haven’t got a manager in place,” he said. “We have to expect one may be on the sidelines on Saturday, and that would give an impact to Wolves.

“More importantly, regardless to what’s happening at Wolves, a win would leave us in fifth place.”

Twitter: @milesstarforth

STEPHANE Sessegnon faces a return trip to Africa just days before next week’s Tyne-Wear derby.

The Sunderland hitman has been named in the 17-man Benin squad for Wednesday’s African Cup of Nations qualifier in Ethiopia.

While many of Sunderland’s squad are on international duty next week, the Black Cats will be sweating on the condition of the ever-present Sessegnon.

{http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland_youngster_jordan_pickford_extends_quakers_deal_1_4269371|Sunderland youngster Jordan Pickford extends Quakers deal|Sunderland youngster Jordan Pickford extends Quakers deal}

The 27-year-old has emerged as the key figure for the Wearsiders this season and Sunderland will be desperate for him to play a pivotal part in the trip to Tyneside on Sunday, March 1.

Newcastle have similar worries of their own though, with Papiss Demba Cisse selected in the Senegal squad for a qualifier in South Africa, though Demba Ba has been left out of the squad.

]]> 1.4271724 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:54:43 +0000 http://www.jarrowandhebburngazette.com/6_7m_sports_complex_will_boost_olympic_hopefuls_video_1_4271585

A £6.7M sports complex, set to be used by Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, has opened in the North East.

The complex, which expands existing facilities at Durham University’s Maiden Castle site, was opened yesterday by Hugh Robertson. the Minister for Sport and the Olympics.

Among the features is a powered indoor rowing tank, the first in the region.

It also has an extended sports hall which can be used for indoor cricket, three dedicated physiotherapy treatment rooms, and a multi-purpose dance studio.

The complex will be used for training by the Sri Lankan badminton team before the London Olympics.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Higgins, said: “We are immensely proud to be able to contribute to the sporting legacy of the 2012 Olympics through the opening of these new facilities.”

Mr Robertson said: “Durham University has a strong sporting tradition, and this new state-of-the-art centre will help confirm this in the years ahead.

“This fantastic facility will provide world-class sports facilities for elite athletes and community users alike, and help more people to take up sport.”

Sport England contributed £500,000 to the cost of the complex, which will also be available for use by students and the public.

]]> 1.4271585 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:14:52 +0000 http://www.jarrowandhebburngazette.com/transfer_rumours_feb_22_demba_ba_asamoah_gyan_newcastle_sunderland_liverpool_arsenal_manchester_city_chelsea_1_4270963

TALK of Demba Ba leaving Newcastle United in a cut-price deal won’t go away, while Asamoah Gyan is being urged to quit Sunderland full-time. Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are also in the news today.

Newcastle have been warned they could lose top scorer Demba Ba, 26, for just £3.5m this summer – Daily Star

Al-Ain coach Cosmin Olaroiu has urged Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan to make a permanent move to the Pro League leaders – The National

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is in the hunt for 21-year-old Ghana international defender Daniel Opare, who has impressed for Standard Liege this season – the Sun

Liverpool are one of three clubs believed to be monitoring the form of 26-year-old Hertha Berlin midfielder Raffael – talkSPORT

Manchester City may make a summer move for 24-year-old Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain – Daily Mail

{http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/transfer_rumours_update_february_21_newcastle_united_sunderland_manchester_united_arsenal_liverpool_everton_and_west_ham_west_brom_cardiff_1_4269420|Yesterday’s Transfer Rumours|Yesterday’s Transfer Rumours}

Uruguay international Edinson Cavani, 25, will quit Napoli this summer if Chelsea knock them out of the Champions League and has targeted a move to the Premier League – and possibly to Stamford Bridge – Evening Standard

Arsenal are ready to open fresh contract talks with winger Theo Walcott, midfielder Tomas Rosicky and striker Robin van Persie after the trio indicated they are keen to stay at the club – Metro

Arsenal and Liverpool are believed to have have reignited their interest in Werder Bremen attacking midfielder Marko Marin, 22, who has been dubbed the German Lionel Messi – Footylatest

Log on again at lunchtime for the latest Transfer Rumours.

SUNDERLAND footballer Nicklas Bendtner was banned from driving for 56 days and fined £660 today after admitting speeding at almost 104mph in his Porsche.

The Danish striker was late for a flight from Newcastle Airport when he was caught by a Northumbria Police traffic officer on the A696 dual carriageway, which has a 70mph limit, last December.

Bendtner, who is on loan at Sunderland for a year from his Arsenal, did not appear before Newcastle magistrates for the hearing.

The court was told the 24-year-old was in Denmark for “contractual obligations”.

He was deemed to not be absent from court because he was legally represented at the hearing.

Sarah Robinson, prosecuting, said Bendtner was spotted driving his convertible Porsche 911 Turbo at 103.6mph at 10.53am on Saturday, December 10.

Barry Warburton, defending, said: “I understand he was going to Newcastle Airport, he was slightly late for a flight and unfortunately he speeded.

“It was a Saturday morning, there was very little traffic on the road, and weather conditions were fine.”

Addressing the bench, he added: “Not withstanding the fact he is in Denmark, he has been absolutely no trouble to anybody.

“In my respectful submission, your public duty can be discharged by treating him with leniency.”

The solicitor said his client had “substantial” disposable income, and could pay the fine immediately with a credit card.

Chairman of the bench Edward Wardrobe imposed a 56-day driving ban, and fined the footballer £660, plus £30 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

No penalty points were added to the three Bendtner has on his licence.

SUNDERLAND football star Nicklas Bendtner was due to appear in court today to be sentenced for speeding.

Earlier this month, magistrates in Newcastle were told the Danish international striker was caught doing more than 103mph on a 70mph dual carriageway in December.

The player, on loan to Sunderland from Arsenal, was clocked in his Porsche by police on the A696 Woolsingham bypass near Newcastle Airport, near his home in Darras Hall, Ponteland, Northumberland.

Magistrates heard the case in his absence after a letter from the player’s legal representatives indicated he would plead guilty.

Sarah Robinson, prosecuting, told the court: “The defendant drove a Porsche along the Woolsington bypass at a speed exceeding 70mph.

“He was seen doing 103.6mph for a distance of 0.137 miles and was recorded by a police Vascar system. He has indicated a guilty plea.”

Bendtner was summoned to appear in person for sentence this afternoon.

]]> 1.4269581 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:41:35 +0000 http://www.jarrowandhebburngazette.com/double_delight_for_lois_1_4269558

LOIS Coulson, from the home club, surged to a resounding double in Jarrow and Hebburn AC and South Tyneside MBC’s Winter Indoor Grand Prix for Minor and Young Athletes in Monkton Stadium on Sunday.

Coulson accelerated away from Natasha Stephenson, of Chester-le-Street, finishing a fifth of a second clear with 9.2 in the under-nine girls’ 60m.

In the 300m, she was equally impressive, recording 1:01.6, ahead of Birtley’s Molly Elliott.

Jessica Leslie – also from the Jarrow club – was an emphatic winner of the under-11 girls’ 600m, opening up a gap of 39m over Lea Brown, of Birtley, with 2:13.8.

Leslie later competed against older rivals in the under-13s’ 600m, clocking a faster time in third with 2:12.3, as Gateshead’s Cara Lloyd was first in 2:11.9.

Amelia Leslie emulated the bronze medal of her sister in the under-15 girls’ 600m, clocking 2:11.8. Gateshead’s Jessica Richardson finished a runaway winner in 2:00.9, with Jarrow’s Jodie Haswell fourth in 2:16.4.

Joshua gained a third bronze for the Leslie family, with 9.8 in the under-nine boys’ 60m.

However, Leslie returned to winning form in the 300m, clocking 1:00.0, ahead of Birtley’s Matthew Cleugh.

Hannah Holman sprinted clear of Caitlin Llewellyn, of Chester-le-Street, with 1:45.5 in the under-10 girls’ 450m.

In the 60m, she had to settle for fourth – in 10.3 – as Shildon’s Rachel Bennett won in 9.3.

Jessica Holman was third in the under-10 girls’ 450m race two, in 1:56.8, while Sam Docherty was also third in the under-11 boys’ 60m in 9.6.

Jack Hogg, from Jarrow School, finished fourth in the under-nine boys’ 300m in 1:11.7.

Jessica McAlinden was third in the under-10 girls’ 60m race two, in 9.9.

Antonia Obee, from St Aloysious School, Hebburn, was a conclusive winner of the under-nine girls’ 300m race 2, in 1:06.6, with Shildon’s Zoe Dawson second in 1:09.3.

Aiden Turnbull won the under-20 men’s 60m in 7.5, with his Jarrow team-mate Daniel Mayne second in 8.8 seconds.

Ben Abrahamson finished second in the under-15 boys’ 60m, in 8.0, with Reuben Cole of Gateshead first in 7.7.

]]> 1.4269558 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:33:54 +0000 http://www.jarrowandhebburngazette.com/roofing_s_drop_hopes_boosted_1_4269551

TEN-man Jarrow Roofing gave themselves hope of avoiding the drop with a well-deserved 4-2 win at home to relegation rivals Stokesley at the weekend.

But their cause wasn’t helped by neighbours SOUTH SHIELDS, who lost 3-2 to Roofing’s relegation rivals Billingham Town.

Bottom side Stokesley are all but down now after this latest loss, but the Roofers kept their hopes alive with victory.

they’d stormed into a 2-0 lead thanks to strikes from Calvin McMahon and Kris Hughes, before Owen Dixon pulled a goal back for the visitors.

Craig Nelson restored the two-goal advantage, but when David Anderson was dismissed with still an hour to play, it looked bleak for Roofing.

Nelson, however, made it 4-1, and although Dixon was on the scoresheet again, Stokesley were also reduced to 10 men when Matthew Dunford was red-carded, and Roofing held on for the win.

Roofing manager Richie McLoughlin said: “It was a poor game, but I was happy with a win.”

Roofing stay in the relegation zone, however, after fourth-bottom Billingham came from behind to beat Shields.

It was the third time the Teessiders had defeated the Mariners this season, and came courtesy of two late goals.

In an even first half, Peter Kane twice went close to giving Shields the lead with shots from the edge of the box that flew just wide of the post.

Billingham were finding it difficult to break out of their half as Shields maintained the pressure on the home defence, Denver Morris and Gilberto Chapim combined on the right to release Jonny Wightman but the Shields striker saw his shot deflected for a corner.

With 10 minutes of the first half remaining Shields again went close to opening the scoring, Chris Feasey outpaced the Billingham defence before playing the ball into the path of Wightman, but the Shields striker fired his shot across the face of the goal.

After a goalless first half, the hosts started the quicker of the two sides, and inside five minutes they took the lead. Jake Cunningham failed to deal with a cross and the ball fell to David Onions, who tapped home from close range.

Shields responded well as they pressed forward looking to restore parity but were unable to break through a resolute Billingham defence as Kane and Wightman both had shots blocked by the home defence.

And they were level with 20 minutes remaining as a long throw by Wightman found Jordan Fraser in the Billingham box, and the Shields defender fired home from close range.

Within a minute, Shields went ahead through a similar route. Another Wightman long throw found Fraser, and he knocked the ball into the path of Feasey who made no mistake from 10 yards.

The Shields joy was only to last a minute, however, as from the restart Billingham pressed forward, and a Jamie Scope clearance hit Jamie Owens and rebounded into the empty net to restore parity.

With five minutes left on the clock, a third defensive error gifted the ball for Owens and he made no mistake as he curled the ball in from the edge of the box to give Billingham all three points with a 3-2 victory.

Twitter: @rossgregory9

JARROW Roofing go into tonight’s round of Northern League Division One games looking to draw level with the teams above them and potentially put themselves one step closer to survival.

However, It will not be an easy encounter for the Roofers – who occupy the final relegation spot – as they entertain eigth-placed Bishop Auckland at the Boldon Sports Ground.

With a gap of just three points to safety, a win for Roofing will see them match both Billingham Town and Penrith on 27 points, although it is unlikely that Roofing would go above the two sides on account of having a poorer goal difference.

Roofing boss Richie McLoughlin knows games are running out for his side, but they will be buoyed by Saturday’s 4-2 win over basement side Stokesley.

Neighbours South Shields could also do them a favour, when they travel to second-bottom side Tow Law Town.

The Lawyers are eight points behind Roofing, but have four games in hand.

Further incentive for 17th-place Shields is that they can pull themselves further away from the relegation fight with a win tonight.

In the Northern League Division Two, ninth-placed Hebburn Town will look to maintain the chase on the teams above them when they make the trip to Whickham.

Hebburn – who still harbour hopes of promotion – could leap up to sixth with a win tonight because of their better goal difference than those teams higher up.

With none of Birtley Town, West Allotment Celtic and Morpeth Town in action, it presents Hebburn with a great chance to overtake each of them.

Hebburn could face their former defender Stephen Hutchinson, who they transferred to Whickham last week.

]]> 1.4269530 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:23:28 +0000 http://www.jarrowandhebburngazette.com/newcastle_must_finish_fairytale_off_beresford_1_4269426

NEWCASTLE United are more than capable of finishing in the Premier League’s top six – and making a long-overdue return to Europe.

That’s the verdict of John Beresford ahead of Saturday’s home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Beresford was in the United team which won promotion to the Premier League under Kevin Keegan in 1993, and then stunned the top flight the following season by finishing third and qualifying for European football.

Newcastle last competed on the continent in the 2006/07 campaign.

In the years since, they suffered the indignity of relegation, but Beresford believes the club – which is sixth in the table and just a point off the Champions League places – is now stronger for the experience.

“They must now finish it off,” said Beresford, who spent almost six years at the club.

“It’s great now. Newcastle fans aren’t getting carried away.

“They’re realistic, but this club needs European football. There’s a knock-on effect.

“If you get into Europe, you can attract better players.

“If the better players come in, you can challenge the teams above you.

“If they keep doing what they’re doing, they’ll finish in that top six.”

Beresford works at St James’s Park on matchdays, and the 45-year-old developed a strong bond with the club – and city – during his time on Tyneside.

“I’ve got an affinity with the club and the people,” he said.

“When they got relegated, it sucked the life out of the city for a little bit, but I think it did them the world of good.

“I feared for them a little bit at the start of the season, and to be honest, nobody could have expected the club to be where it is now.

“Not even fortune tellers would have said they’d be in this position.

“Alan Pardew’s done brilliantly – it’s been a fairytale. They’ve just got to finish it off, and make sure this season doesn’t peter out.”

Newcastle were beaten 5-0 by Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on their last outing, but they remain well placed ahead of the visit of managerless Wolves.

{http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle_s_euro_bid_is_still_on_course_guthrie_1_4265361|Newcastle’s Euro bid is still on course – Guthrie|Newcastle’s Euro bid is still on course – Guthrie}

“They had a wake up call, but Spurs can do that to anybody,” said Beresford.

“I think Wolves at home’s a brilliant game to have coming up. I’m expecting Newcastle to get back to winning ways.”

There’s an air of optimism on Tyneside, and Beresford’s hopeful the club can again compete with the best, just as it did under Keegan.

United’s time in the Premier League under Keegan will live long in the memory, not least their first season back in the top flight when goals from Andy Cole and Peter Beardsley lit up the division, and the team earned the nickname ‘The Entertainers’.

Beresford said: “When we got promoted (under Keegan), people said it was all about survival.

“Kevin Keegan never ever spoke about survival.

“He would just say ‘we’re better than this team’. I don’t think any team will finish third in their first season ever again.”

Their reward was European football, and the club’s first game back on the continent – a 5-0 win at Royal Antwerp – went down in Geordie folklore.

“I remember the excitement of those European nights,” recalls Beresford. “Some of the greatest moments I had with Newcastle were in European football.”

Meanwhile, Beresford was in Newcastle last week for the launch of former team-mate Robbie Elliott’s 3,500-mile charity cycle ride between the eight teams managed by Sir Bobby Robson.

“What will drive him on is the cause – it’s unbelievable what he’s doing,” said Beresford.

“Bobby was a phenomenon. He touched so many people, both inside and outside the game.”

n To back Robbie Elliott’s charity cycle ride, log on to www.bikeforbobby.com.

Twitter: @milesstarforth

NEWCASTLE boss Alan Pardew rues missing out on his defensive target, while Sunderland could be set to sell one of their star players. West Ham, Manchester United, Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool are also in the news.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has admitted to frustration at Newcastle’s failed deadline-day move for Watford’s 25-year-old defender Adrian Mariappa – Shields Gazette

Having let 26-year-old Senegal international striker Demba Ba leave West Ham on a free transfer, co-owner David Sullivan thinks Newcastle risk losing him for as little as £3.5m this summer – BBC Sport

Kieran Richardson could head a summer clear-out at Sunderland as Martin O’Neill looks to cash in before the player is out of contract – Daily Mail

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has indicated he may be ready to open contract talks with the club over the next month – Daily Telegraph

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keeping tabs on Ajax’s 17-year-old midfielder Viktor Fischer. The Reds manager is already considering a £15m summer move for Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen – Manchester Evening News

Meanwhile, United are willing to wait until 16-year-old IF Urædd goalkeeper Sondre Rossbach recovers from an ankle injury before deciding on whether to offer the youngster a deal – talkSPORT

{http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/transfer_rumours_update_monday_february_20_1_4265779|Yesterday’s Transfer Rumours|Yesterday’s Transfer Rumours}

Craig Dawson has signed a contract extension with West Brom keeping him at the club until June 2015 – Sky Sports

Arsenal were joined by representatives from Bayern Munich and Napoli in scouting 25-year-old Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud during the recent 2-2 draw with Paris Saint-Germain – Metro

Everton are close to sealing a deal for rookie midfielder Jake Adelson. The 16-year-old from Australia is ready to pen a three-year contract at Goodison Park having impressed the club’s scouts while playing for Blacktown City – talkSPORT

Cardiff City striker Jon Parkin has admitted that he would be prepared to extend his loan at Scunthorpe United beyond an initial month – Sky Sports

Liverpool may look to sign 23-year-old Sampdoria winger Jonathan Biabiany this summer, who has spent this season on loan at Parma – Caught Offside

Log on again tomorrow for the latest Transfer Rumours

]]> 1.4269414 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:33:38 +0000 http://www.jarrowandhebburngazette.com/former_newcastle_united_chairman_faces_flats_fight_1_4268255

FORMER Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd is facing a tricky home match over his plans to turn a historic school site into a series of luxury apartments and houses.

His company, Shepherd Offshore, plans to create 60 homes on the site of the former La Sagesse School in Jesmond, Newcastle.

But local residents are objecting to the multi-million pound project.

The Jesmond Residents’ Association has lodged a formal protest to the plan, claiming the project will spoil a conservation area and wipe out valuable open space.

The scheme would be one of the North East’s most expensive housing developments.

It involves turning the Grade II-listed Jesmond Towers building into 10 flats, rebuilding North Jesmond House to include five apartments, and building more homes on the west of the site.

In a three-page document submitted to Newcastle City Council, the association says it welcomes the site’s transformation in principle, but has 12 detailed objections, including the kind of building material proposed, the felling of trees and the planned access route to the site.

They also say the plans are “excessive” and would lead to that part of Jesmond being “over-developed”.

JAMES McClean admits his call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad is a ‘dream come true’ – but has vowed not to get carried away.

The winger was called up by Giovanni Trapattoni yesterday, having missed out on the original squad to face the Czech Republic next week.

McClean was elated after his debut call-up, the Derry man having played for Northern Ireland Under-21s but having exercised an option to make himself available for Republic selection.

“I couldn’t believe it when I read the text, informing me that I had been called into the squad,” he said.

“It came as a major surprise to me and I’m absolutely delighted to have been called up.

“But I realise this is basically an opportunity, nothing more, and I can’t afford to take anything for granted.

“Naturally I’m keeping my fingers firmly crossed that I will get a run-out but, at the same time, I won’t be disappointed if I don’t.

“Meeting the players and getting involved in the international set-up will be brilliant for me.” It won’t be altogether a new experience for McClean when he meets up with his new colleagues – the squad including Sunderland’s John O’Shea and Keiren Westwood.

McClean acknowledged: “I know some of the players, having already met them when playing with Sunderland, so I’ll not be a stranger.

“And with two other lads from Derry also in the squad – Darron Gibson and Shane Duffy – it should make it easier to settle in.”

{http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland_winger_james_mcclean_gets_republic_call_1_4265992|Sunderland winger James McClean gets Republic call|Sunderland winger James McClean gets Republic call}

McClean has an outside chance of bursting into the Irish team for the European Championships this summer, but the player himself prefers not to think long term with so much having happened to him since his meteoric rise at Sunderland.

The 22-year-old, who returned to old club Derry last night to watch them play Lisburn, only made his first appearance for the Black Cats in Martin O’Neill’s first game in charge back in December against Blackburn, but has since made the left-wing position his own, scoring four times in 14 appearances.

“I’ve had a very interesting six or seven months since joining Sunderland,” he said. “That was a dream come true for me and now another dream could lie ahead when making my debut for the Republic of Ireland.

“It’s the next step for me but I can’t afford to get carried away.

“To make my debut – be it against the Czech Republic or at another time – would make that dream come true, and that’s all I’m focused on.

“Things have gone really well for me since I moved to Sunderland in the summer and it’s important that I keep working on that front.

“Holding down my first team place is obviously very important to me, but to make my senior international debut would be absolutely fantastic.”

Twitter: @shieldsgazsport

ROOKIE Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford has extended his loan spell with cash-strapped strugglers Darlington.

England youth international Pickford has played in all five of the Quakers’ Blue Square Premier outings since arriving at the Arena last month, and will now remain with the non-league outfit until April 21.

The Washington-born 17-year-old made 18 appearances for Sunderland’s youth team earlier in the season, and was part of the Black Cats’ first-team party for their pre-season tour of Germany.

NIALL Quinn’s decision to leave Sunderland has shocked football fans in South Tyneside.

The former striker transformed the Black Cats’ fortunes after taking over as chairman six years ago.

Now just four months after starting a new role developing the club’s international profile last October, the Irishman has left the Stadium of Light with the team ninth in the Premier League as well as in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Sunderland fans say Quinn will always be a legend, and an online petition has already started calling for the stadium’s South Stand to be named after him.

Marc Scott, 27, from Biddick Hall, South Shields, who works for a printing company, said: “There has to be a stand named after him, or even a statue. If you look back over the past six years, he has done an incredible job.

“But he was always one of my favourite players, and he really is a legend.”

Plumber Bobby Grimes, 64, from Whitburn, said: “It’s a bit of bad news because he saved the club really. We were going nowhere six years ago, but he put everything on an even keel and the club is looking prosperous now.

“He has set us up for a great future, and leaves quite a legacy.”

Malcolm Williams, 48, a Co-op warehouse worker from South Shields, said: “In some ways it was to be expected. He had already stepped down as chairman and seemed to be on his way out. But he must feel that he’s done his job. The team has come on massively since he took over. He brought investment to the club, and we also got good managers during his time.”

Alan Mulvain, a 78-year-old retired ship carpenter, who served with the Merchant Navy, said: “Quinn has done a lot for the club. Not many people can say they have been player and chairman, and he even had a brief spell as manager.

“I think it’s a shame that he has left because things are going well at Sunderland, and I thought he would have stayed in the job even longer.”

Retired electrician Bob Waugh, 73, from South Shields, says he likes the North-East clubs to do well, but fears Quinn’s departure could have a bad effect on the team.

He said: “I think they might struggle because he has been a big influence on the whole club, and he has always been well liked by the supporters.

“But he has built the club into the strong position where it is now, and with Ellis Short in charge, and Martin O’Neill managing the team, I think they will be all right.”

Newcastle supporter Angela Russell, 31, an illustrator and freelance writer from Tyne Dock, South Shields, said Quinn is well respected throughout football.

She added: “He has done a lot for Sunderland, and him leaving might set them back. But they have always bounced back regardless of what has happened to them.”

Twitter: @shieldsgazjoe

SOUTH Shields MP David Miliband has paid tribute to Niall Quinn’s contribution at the Stadium of Light.

Mr Miliband, who is the club’s non-executive vice chairman, said: “One has to respect the class of the man.”

It was Quinn who approached Mr Miliband – an Arsenal supporter – after his Labour leadership defeat in September 2010 to join the club.

The then chairman saw former Foreign Secretary, Mr Miliband, as a key player in raising the club’s international profile.

Mr Miliband said: “I first saw Niall Quinn from the terraces at Highbury. He’s still a giant in everything he does, and has put so much into the club over the last six years.”

He added: “As he says in his moving statement announcing his departure, he was taken on trust, and the fans took him to their hearts, even when things weren’t going right.

“But with Martin O’Neill in post, there is a massive football brain guiding the club on the field. The owner has provided stability and nous in the boardroom.

“I am sure we haven’t heard the last of Niall Quinn. He’d make a formidable politician.

“The good thing is that his legacy to the club are vision and values that are true to the history of the area and the passion of the fans.

“It won’t be squandered.”

LIAM Ridgewell realises the challenge West Brom face in ending their home hoodoo against his former boss Martin O’Neill on Saturday.

Ridgwell spent a season under O’Neill at Aston Villa before moving across the second city to Birmingham, and saw first-hand the new lease of life the former Celtic manager brought to Villa Park.

With O’Neill performing similar recuperative measures at Sunderland, centre-half Ridgewell is wary of the task facing the Baggies this weekend as they look to end a three-month wait for victory at the Hawthorns. Ridgewell, who joined West Brom from Birmingham during the January transfer window, said: “I spent a season under him, and he got the team going.

“I left under his regime to play more. But every person you work under you learn a bit from, and I enjoyed my time while I was there.

“He’s done so well since he’s gone to Sunderland, and everyone will know what to expect.

“They’re a strong powerful team, and we’ll be ready for them on Saturday.”

{http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/local-news/niall_quinn_quits_sunderland_after_six_years_1_4264667|Niall Quinn quits Sunderland after six years|Niall Quinn quits Sunderland after six years}

Ridgewell played alongside Sunderland midfielders Seb Larsson and Craig Gardner at Birmingham last season as the Blues dropped out of the top flight and is well aware of the threat posed from the Black Cats’ summer signings.

“I know Seb and Gards and a few others,” he added. “It will be good to see them again and play against them.

“I’ll be speaking to them before the game and winding them up.

“Seb is a great player. He was good at Blues, and has got great delivery.

“It will be nice to test myself against him.”

HARRY Redknapp will make Tim Krul one of his top summer transfer targets – if he stays at Tottenham Hotspur.

Krul has been outstanding between the posts for Newcastle United this season.

And his form has impressed Redknapp, who is the bookmakers’ favourite to become the next England coach.

Newcastle slapped a £15m price tag on Krul in last month’s transfer window amid interest from Redknapp, who is looking to add a goalkeeper to his squad with Brad Friedel turning 41 in May.

Krul is contracted to United until 2014, but that deal was signed before he became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

And it doesn’t reflect the progress he has made on the field.

As such, the 23-year-old, also a senior Holland international, could be in line for a pay rise, with Newcastle manager Alan Pardew desperate to keep his key players at St James’s Park.

The club is in talks with a number of players over new contracts, notably Fabricio Coloccini, Danny Simpson and Danny Guthrie.

Meanwhile, Redknapp’s other front-line goalkeeper is 38-year-old Carlo Cudicini, and a younger challenger is seen as a must at Tottenham, who remain in this season’s Premier League title race.

And sources in London say Krul is the player Redknapp wants to compete with Friedel.

However, Redknapp’s future at White Hart Lane is in doubt, with the 64-year-old odds-on favourite to succeed Fabio Capello as England coach.

Should Redknapp leave the club in the summer and take charge of his country, his successor could still move for Krul, who joined United in 2006 as an unknown from Dutch club Den Haag.

For his part, ambitious Krul is happy at Newcastle, and he is understood to be willing to talk about a new contract that would reflect his status as the club’s first choice.

{http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle_united_s_holland_international_goalkeeper_tim_krul_backed_by_alan_pardew_to_become_a_great_leader_1_3940661|Krul backed to be a great leader|Krul backed to be a great leader}

]]> 1.4268305 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:57:58 +0000 http://www.jarrowandhebburngazette.com/newcastle_striker_spared_long_trip_before_sunderland_clash_1_4268300

DEMBA Ba has been spared a gruelling midweek trip to play for Senegal in a boost for Newcastle United.

The striker has not been called up for next Wednesday’s friendly against South Africa in Durban.

However, his Newcastle team-mate Papiss Demba Cisse is in the Lions of Teranga’s 23-man squad, and the 12,000-mile round trip is hardly ideal preparation for the Tyne-Wear derby.

Senegal’s fixture is sandwiched between Saturday’s home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers and the visit of Sunderland to Tyneside on March 4.

And United manager Alan Pardew will be relieved that leading scorer Ba has been spared a lengthy journey.

The game is Senegal’s first since their desperately disappointing African Cup of Nations campaign.

They didn’t get beyond the group stage, despite being the tournament’s third-favourites before a ball was kicked.

Meanwhile, Newcastle’s Shane Ferguson’s in line to win his second Northern Ireland cap after being named in former United striker Michael O’Neill’s first squad.

TITUS BRAMBLE faces at least another month on the sidelines as Sunderland attempt to bring a conclusion to the defender’s injury woes.

Bramble has been sidelined with an Achilles problem since Boxing Day after being handed a fresh opportunity by Black Cats boss Martin O’Neill.

The 30-year-old had been due to return to the fold last month, only to suffer a relapse in training.

Bramble has now been fitted with a protective boot, which he will wear for the next three weeks in a bid to hasten his recovery.

But like fellow injured central defender Wes Brown, Bramble is unlikely to feature before the end of March, although the deadline day acquisition of Sotirios Kyrgiakos and the return to fitness of Matt Kilgallon ensures Sunderland have at least got cover at the heart of the back four.

O’Neill said: “Titus has got a boot on and he’s going to be immobile now for a few weeks.

“He’ll be in it for the next three weeks, which is a setback.”

Bramble’s time at the Stadium of Light has been continually hampered by injuries, the former Ipswich man making just seven appearances this season, albeit he was suspended by the club for six weeks in the autumn.

{http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/local-news/niall_quinn_is_mr_sunderland_says_martin_o_neill_1_4264669|Niall Quinn is Mr Sunderland, says Martin O’Neill|Niall Quinn is Mr Sunderland, says Martin O’Neill}

After injuring his knee in November 2010, Bramble suffered a relapse in March last year and spent the summer trying to work his way back to fitness.

But the former England Under-21 man looked rusty during pre-season, and was forced to wait until September for his opportunity in the starting XI after Anton Ferdinand’s departure to QPR.

Bramble had looked sharp after O’Neill adopted a clean slate with the defender and installed him in the side, only for his comeback to last just three and a half games.

Meanwhile, Bramble’s fellow injured defender Marcos Angeleri is continuing his recovery from a second knee operation.

The Argentine defender, restricted to just two Sunderland appearances since his £1.5m arrival from Estudiantes in the summer of 2010, went under the surgeon’s knife during the summer after previously undergoing an operation in his homeland at the tail end of last season.

Angeleri was expected to be ruled out for the bulk of the current campaign, and O’Neill confirmed the 28-year-old is continuing his rehabilitation.

“It must be so frustrating when you’re out with such a long-term injury,” added O’Neill.

“You can imagine what Fraizer Campbell has been through, and it’s the same for Marcos.”

Twitter: @shieldsgazsport

NEWCASTLE boss Alan Pardew rues missing out on his defensive target, while Sunderland could be set to sell one of their star players. West Ham, Manchester United, Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool are also in the news.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has admitted to frustration at Newcastle’s failed deadline-day move for Watford’s 25-year-old defender Adrian Mariappa – Shields Gazette

Having let 26-year-old Senegal international striker Demba Ba leave West Ham on a free transfer, co-owner David Sullivan thinks Newcastle risk losing him for as little as £3.5m this summer – BBC Sport

Kieran Richardson could head a summer clear-out at Sunderland as Martin O’Neill looks to cash in before the player is out of contract – Daily Mail

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keeping tabs on Ajax’s 17-year-old midfielder Viktor Fischer. The Reds manager is already considering a £15m summer move for Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen – Manchester Evening News

Meanwhile, United are willing to wait until 16-year-old IF Urædd goalkeeper Sondre Rossbach recovers from an ankle injury before deciding on whether to offer the youngster a deal – talkSPORT

{http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/transfer_rumours_update_monday_february_20_1_4265779|Yesterday’s Transfer Rumours|Yesterday’s Transfer Rumours}

Arsenal were joined by representatives from Bayern Munich and Napoli in scouting 25-year-old Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud during the recent 2-2 draw with Paris Saint-Germain – Metro

Everton are close to sealing a deal for rookie midfielder Jake Adelson. The 16-year-old from Australia is ready to pen a three-year contract at Goodison Park having impressed the club’s scouts while playing for Blacktown City – talkSPORT

Liverpool may look to sign 23-year-old Sampdoria winger Jonathan Biabiany this summer, who has spent this season on loan at Parma – Caught Offside

Log on again at lunchtime for the latest Transfer Rumours