Newcastle Utd news - Ben Arfa thanks fans, Nolan backs Carroll for England, Forster not keen on Magpies return
Wednesday 06 October 2010
Every morning A Different League searches the nations press to bring you the latest goings on at Newcastle. Today:
 Ben Arfa thanks fans.
Injured star Hatem ben Arfa is set to be released from hospital later today following his double leg fracture on Sunday. According to The Telegraph, the Frenchman underwent surgery at Manchester Royal Infirmary on Monday, but claims he has been cheered up by the support he has received from the Newcastle supporters.
Speaking to nufc.co.uk, Ben Arfa said: “I would like to thank all the Newcastle fans from the bottom of my heart for their fantastic messages of support and encouragement. The club are sending lots of messages through to me. I'm told they are arriving in their hundreds, and that's really overwhelming. It's cheered me up no end and makes me feel really humble and honoured that the fans are showing such support for me.”
The 23-year-old is expected to be sidelined until at least March next year as a result of the challenge from Man City’s Nigel de Jong, who has since been dropped from the Dutch national side.
Nolan backs Carroll for England.
Striker Andy Carroll has been told that his England call will come – provided he keeps banging the goals in for the Magpies. The 21-year-old had been named in Fabio Capello’s provisional 30-man England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro at Wembley on Wednesday, but narrowly failed to make the final squad.
Speaking to the Jarrow & Hebburn Gazette, captain Kevin Nolan said: “Andy's just got to keep his head down, keep his feet on the ground, and not get carried away. I'm sure Andy Carroll will be an England international.” Nolan, who also acts as mentor to the young darling of Tyneside, added: “I don't see him in the Peter Crouch mould. He's a tougher one, more of an Emile Heskey, but, in my eyes, better and more talented. I'm sure he wouldn't let his country down, much like he hasn't let us down.”
Forster not keen on Magpies return.
Celtic’s on-loan goalkeeper Fraser Forster has declared his reluctance at returning to St. James’ Park. The stopper was rumoured to be recalled following the injury to Steve Harper which is likely to keep the Toon No.1 sidelined for up to three months, but with Tim Krul’s promotion to deputise in Harper’s absence Forster does not wish to play second fiddle in the north east.
According to The Mirror, Forster said: “I would be a bit gutted to go back. Obviously, I am Newcastle's keeper and it is up to them. But I want to play week in, week out and sitting on a bench is not something I want. The only way I will progress in my career is if I am out playing in front of big crowds.”
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