Lion at the back

NUFC.com is carrying reports that Titus Bramble is carrying an injury, and as a result will miss tonight's game against Wigan. With Babayaro already joining messers Taylor and Carr on the treatment table, our lack of defensive cover means that Robbie Elliot is likely to start at left back, and be joined in defence by Alan Shearer.

Now, I've no doubt Shearer will be able to anticipate the runs of any of the strikers he faces, and will also be quite tidy in the air – but whether he's up to the task is open to debate. Surely Souness have been better blooding one of the youngsters against what Paul Jewell has already described as being a virtual Wigan second XI?

Whilst it should make life interesting when we send forward our defenders for corners, the wisdom of flogging Aaron Hughes in the summer must once again be questioned.