Pardew Calms Cabaye Fears

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Alan Pardew believes Yohan Cabaye's injury is not as bad as first feared, after the midfielder was stretchered off during Sunday's 1-0 win over Queen's Park Rangers.

Only 20 minutes had gone when Cabaye was caught by a late Shaun Derry lunge, for which the Rangers man was cautioned, and the sight of the 26-year-old leaving the field of play was not a welcome one for Magpies fans.

But while Cabaye was clearly upset with the tackle, Pardew believes referee Chris Foy got the punishment right, and - more importantly - is confident that the French midfielder will be straight back into action.

"He looks okay to me," said the boss, following the final whistle.

"The doc seems to think we might scan him, we might not, so it isn't an injury we think is going to give us problems going forward.

"It was a strong challenge, but Shaun Derry is a player who makes strong challenges. The referee was right on top of it.

"I thought it was borderline yellow-red, but I think probably it was a yellow.

"There always controversy about tackling. It's very, very difficult for referees, so I am not going to sit here and criticise that decision.

"But Yohan was upset. He felt it was probably a little bit over-exuberant, but the doc thinks he is going to be okay."