Both captain Fabricio Coloccini and Cheick Tiote start against Manchester United in tonight’s match, though Alan Pardew has resisted the temptation to play Papiss Cisse from the start and he’s on the bench.

A match of one referee, two linesmen and a team who don’t know when they are beat.

A performance that had everything, from some controlled possession and half decent chances in the first half to blood and guts in the second.

Friday brought confirmation that Wayne Rooney is available to face ‘United’ this Saturday and no doubt will appear…unless they are saving him for their cup match against Palace. I suppose…

Barry McQueen explores the relationship between the national team, the media and reality!