Newcastle midfielder Alan Smith needs surgery on his foot after suffering a stress fracture. He could be out for up to three months and is unlikely to be back in contention before Christmas.

Twenty-seven year old Smith struggled to keep his place in the side last season and hadn't featured at all this season. Kevin Keegan is a big fan though and one of the many rumours about Keegan's exit involves the fact that the club were trying to sell Smith behind Keegan's back.

Newcastle's midfield, together with Smith, will be lacking Jonas Gutierrez who has a shoulder injury and both the disgraced Danny Guthrie and the even more disgraced Joey Barton are suspended.

Smith has never been popular with the Toon Army but maybe a little bit of his fighting spirit is exactly what Newcastle need to see them through these difficult times. Unfortunately now, they will not be seeing that spirit until the New Year.