Duo's Injury Woe

Niemi was injured just six minutes into the game at St James Park after a collision with the striker Shola Ameobi and after considerable treatment was carried off and replaced by Paul Smith whilst Phillips was replaced three minutes from time with an ankle injury

"Antti's done his knee but we don't know how bad it is. We'll just have to wait and see after a scan," Redknapp said after the 2-1 defeat.

"Unfortunately, Phillips picked up a bad ankle injury. I don't know how long he'll be out for but we'll miss him.

"We can't afford to lose him for very long. He's been terrific for us and turned out some good performances."