Alan Pardew says that Steve Bywater will play against Wolves at the
weekend, despite the arrival of Rami Shaaban on loan from Arsenal
last week.
Rami has been given permission by the Gunners to be involved but, as much as Alan admires him, he feels Stephen Bywater deserves the nod at Molineux.
Steve himself felt he was culpable for the third goal at Sheffield United on Saturday and Alan says:
"Defensively the last goal was a real sickener and poor Stephen, who had been terrific for us under all that pressure, just made a slight error, and it cost us.
"But that will make him stronger and make us stronger.
"There is no doubt in my mind that Steve will play at the weekend.
"It would be unfair to give him one game and take him out.
"He deserves at least two, maybe three, or whatever games to see if he can secure it.
"It is a tough job and there is no hiding place, unfortunately."