Injury could see Smith out for three months

It was a case of one step forward and one step back for Newcastle United’s caretaker manager Chris Hughton yesterday as good news regarding Habib Beye’s recovery from injury was immediately countered by fears that Alan Smith could be out for the next three months.

Smith has not made a first-team appearance this season amid rumours he was going to be sold to Everton during the transfer window. But having failed to leave St James’s Park on deadline day, it now looks as though he will be ruled out until December because of an Achilles injury.

The 27-year-old was sent for another scan yesterday, but The Journal understands the player is resigned to the fact he is going to need an operation and the lengthy recovery period that comes with it.

Although Smith was no longer a regular starter under former manager Kevin Keegan following his failure to score in 37 appearances last season, his presence would have been a major boost to Hughton. Smith has his detractors, but nobody can ever fault his attitude or commitment to the team, qualities which are desperately needed as the Magpies face up to the alarming possibility they could be dragged into a relegation battle this season.

The 2-1 home defeat by relegation favourites Hull City last weekend was a sharp reminder of the potential danger for a team which is forced to play against a backdrop of supporter revolt, and the last thing Newcastle need is a spate of injuries and suspensions. Although both Hughton and club captain Michael Owen have attempted to argue the players will block out the protests against owner Mike Ashley, there were clearly signs they were affected by the negative atmosphere which has engulfed the club following the departure of Keegan. With that mood showing no sign of lifting in the short term as attempts to appoint a new manager are undermined by Ashley’s public declaration the club is up for sale, Newcastle need all hands to the pump in the next few weeks.

Smith has experienced problems like these before at Leeds United and the striker has the mental strength to cope with the adversity, but he will not be able to use any of that experience because of his injury setback.

Source: Newcastle Journal