Magpies' Parker misses Wanderers friendly
Newcastle new boy Scott Parker was left behind along with skipper Alan Shearer and keeper Shay Given when the Magpies jetted off for their final pre-season friendly this afternoon.
Manager Graeme Souness is taking no chances as he prepares for Sunday’s Barclays Premiership opener at Arsenal and left his £6.5m (€9.4m) signing on Tyneside along with injured duo Shearer and Given, both of whom are doubts for the trip to Highbury, ahead of tonight’s game at Bray Wanderers.
Parker is recovering from the effects of pre-season after a prolonged period of inactivity through injury during his time at Chelsea, while Shearer has a calf strain and Given a groin problem.
Kieron Dyer, Lee Bowyer and Shola Ameobi, who featured against Yeading on Saturday, have also stayed at home.
