Matt's A Doubt

Matthew Etherington is the main concern as far as injuries are concerned for the trip to Loftus Road at the weekend.

Says Alan Pardew:

"Matthew is the big worry and everyone else is fine - we are sweating on him a wee bit, to be fair.

"He hasn't trained this week and he needs to do that to have a chance - it is just fingers crossed that he can play because he is an important player for us.

"With so many players unavailable it would be disappointing not to have him.

"We have obviously got great replacements but he is on the top of his game at the moment so it would be nice to have him out there.

"We also have to have one eye on our league programme of course, and I am not going to risk him if there is any doubt because we have some massive games coming up in the league."

But, of course, progression in the FA cup is the immediate aim and Alan adds:

"It is a big game for the fans, the club, and the players; we have got to get something out of it and progress to the next round where we have a really good chance of a decent draw - and then you are within touching distance of winning it."

The game, is, of course, being beamed back to Upton Park.