Sir Bobby Robson has been left with a midfield selection crisis following Newcastle's second injury blow in as many days.
Chilean international Clarence Acuña broke down in training yesterday, just 24 hours after Gary Speed was forced out of United's trip to Bosnia-Herzegovina with an ankle injury.
The loss of Acuña, who was to be drafted in as Speed's replacement in the centre of midfield, is a major blip on Newcastle's preparations and leaves Robson with little choice but to send out a side brimming with youthful endeavour, but severely lacking in experience, against FC Zeljeznicar. Although the United chief would not confirm his selection choice last night, he has indicated that Jermaine Jenas will now be brought in to partner Kieron Dyer in the centre of midfield, with Hugo Viana in the wide left position.
Robson said: "I'm gutted for Clarence. He has worked hard and has waited for his chance and he would have got it. We lost him in training, totally out of the blue, about two minutes into a practice session.
"He is a very tidy player, he has captained Chile before at international level and he has a lot of experience of playing in these types of pressure games. It is a big blow for him and us.
"I've got a couple of selection choices, but I am going to have to send out a side with six or seven lads who are in their early twenties or below. That is a lot of kids in the side.
"I could throw Jermaine Jenas in there, or I could play Viana centrally, move Bernard to wide left and bring Robbie Elliott in at left-back.
"I've already made my decision, but I won't reveal it until just before the game."
The average age of United's side will be 23 tonight, whatever Robson's decision, and the experienced tactician knows that it will be a test of character for such a youthful side in difficult circumstances.
He added: "These players have big futures, but my concern is for now. They are going to have to come in and play very well, they will have to grow up out there.
"It isn't ideal, but I have gone for young kids and they have their chance now.
"The pitch isn't up to much, but then we didn't expect it to be. It is very uneven and bumpy, but we will have to deal with that. They are not going to iron it out for us.
"The crowd will be very passionate and it will be a hostile environment out there.
"It is up to the young lads who will be playing to cope with that.
"They love their football in this part of the world. They are a fighting nation and they will fight and scrap for every ball during the game.
