Gale's Preview

Tony Gale says that Trevor Sinclair should be included in England's squad for the World Cup Finals in Japan and South Korea this summer.

"He has had a very good season, after all the trouble he has just knuckled down and for me he should be on the plane," insists Galey.

Meanwhile, Tony thinks that Jermain Defoe will get a starting place at St. James' Park on Saturday, and says: "It was a little bit difficult for Jermain on his own on Wednesday but I think Fredi had run himself into the ground at Highbury which is why Jermain replaced him.

"I'd like to see the pair of them play against Newcastle and with Schemmel out at the moment the back four could have Ian Pearce at right back."

As for Vladimir Labant, Tony urges patience and adds: "It takes everyone a season and it would be unfair to judge him. Vladimir has got to take up the mantle and Glenn has seen enough in training to judge what a player he is."

Tony hopes that Steve Potts will get his 400th league appearance for West Ham before the end of the season and adds: "It would be very nice if Glenn could bring him on at some stage. He has been a fine servant to the club over the years.

"There will be a big crowd on the last day and it would be a fitting farewell if he doesn't stay next season. There are never any moans or groans from him and I think maybe in the last four seasons he has been underused.

"He has been a victim of his own tolerance because he has never been one to be banging on a manager's door - at times I wish he had!"

As for the defeat at Arsenal, he says: "It is one of the best performances from an away side I have seen at Highbury, and I have seen Arsenal a lot this season.

"Some teams have beaten them, but West Ham's performance really showed good signs for next season."

John Moncur, and of course Sebastien Schemmel, miss the trip to Newcastle through injury.

Squad: James, Hislop, Andersson, Pearce, Repka, Dailly, Winterburn, Labant, Cole, Lomas, Carrick, Sinclair, Kanoute, Defoe, Garcia, Potts, Courtois, Byrne, Johnson, Iriekpen.