Perch Ponders Break Benefits

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Defender James Perch has been left with mixed feelings as the Magpies head into another international break.

Perch has started 10 of Newcastle's 12 games this season and readily admits he is in need of some brief respite following a gruelling opening spell which has included seven fixtures in the last 21 days.

But on the flip side, having been part of the defence which conceded three goals - and all three points - to Manchester United on Sunday, the 27-year-old would prefer to be putting things right on the pitch as soon as possible.

"It's a tough one," Perch told nufc.co.uk.

"After a defeat you always want another game straight away so you can try to get back to winning and put it behind you.

"But we can't do that. Because of the internationals we've got a break now until the next game.

"I'm personally quite happy with having a few days' rest! But it's only a couple of days and we will be back in on Wednesday and back to work.

"Fingers crossed on the internationals that while they are away they don't come back with any niggles or knocks because we want a fully fit squad again to go to Sunderland and hopefully turn them over."

Perch believes Newcastle's performance on Tyneside on Sunday did not merit the 3-0 scoreline that was inflicted on them.

But, after conceding two early, sloppy goals against the Red Devils they were always facing an uphill battle.

"The first 15 or 20 minutes wasn't like us. Everything after that though, I thought we did really well," said the ex-Nottingham Forest man.

"When I came off the pitch it didn't feel like a 3-0 game and that's the disappointing thing - the scoreline flattered them.

"It was two set pieces and a lucky cross - that was it. But it happened, we have to take it on the chin and bounce back."