Speed fears for place on Newcastle squad

Stefano Blin, Agence France-Presse, London, England

Fit-again Gary Speed believes Newcastle's youngsters are playing so well that he is by no means assured of a place in the first team for Saturday's Premiership clash at Manchester City.

The 32-year-old Welsh international has recovered from an ankle injury but faces a battle to win back his place after Bobby Robson's men, including four players of 21 or younger, thumped West Ham 4-0 on Monday night.

In Speed's diary notes at www.icons.com, the former Leeds player said:

"I'll definitely be fit for Saturday but after our fantastic performance against West Ham I'll be lucky to get in the squad!

"We've got a very young side but the kids certainly did us proud on Monday night.

"There are some fantastic talents here and as it's been proved many times now that you can win trophies with kids."

Speed singled out Congolese striker Lomana Tresor Lua Lua who celebrated his two goals against the Hammers with his trademark somersault.

"Lomana is doing really great," he said.

"When he first came to the club he was a bit raw and he had a lot to learn.

"But he's come on leaps and bounds and he's now scoring goals. He's got all the talent there to be a top player and he's got a pretty special goal celebration too."

Speed was also impressed with Newcastle's two 19-year-old midfielders Hugo Viana and Jermaine Jenas.

"Hugo got stuck in on Monday and the fans took an instant liking to him," he said.

"He's still playing a bit out of position but he certainly had a good start for us.

"Then there's Jermaine Jenas. JJ's only 19 but he played really well and he certainly looks one for the future."

Speed admitted he has started to feel old playing alongside so many youngsters but believes he still has a lot to offer the team.

"With all these kids about there's only me and Alan Shearer who are getting on a bit," he said.

"To be fair we're only 32 and that's hardly geriatric. We're both still young but we just happen to be the oldest players in the squad.

"Although having said that, you can't help but notice the age gap sometimes in the dressing room.

"But when it comes to football, despite being in my thirties, I'm as fit as I've ever been and now my injury worries are over."

Arsenal, who were outstanding in their 2-0 win over Premiership newcomers Birmingham on Sunday, face a tough test at London rivals West Ham who despite being thrashed earlier in the week are very strong at home.

The Hammers only lost three league matches at Upton Park last season and along with Liverpool had the best home defensive record in the top flight.