Big Mac could take away Scott's hunger

New England boss Steve McClaren will be in attendance at our pre-season friendly against Villarreal on Saturday in search for players to fill his squad with. The most obvious being captain Scott Parker who narrowly missed out last season due to glandular fever and Sven's crazy selection criteria. The squad for the nearest Euro 2008 qualifiers probably comes a little to early for James Milner and Steven Taylor, who still turn out for the U21s. I guess while he is there he may as well assess the potential of Shola, who will be hoping to get a look in at some point during his career. Geordie-boy Peter Ramage isn't really there yet and Titus...well...anyway...Owen won't be involved in the Euro 2008 qualifiers and this first visit from Stevie comes to quickly for Kieron Dyer who is yet to start pre-season training. It would be a travesty if Nicky Butt got picked ahead of Parker, so lets assume he won't be.

An interview with Scott Parker this morning saw him admit his desire to play for the three lions while underlining his commitment to the Magpies.

Speaking of Scott Parker, before the match last Saturday, I was early into Toon and so waited by the SJP gate to see players driving in. Mr & Mrs Parker arrived with their son, who was sporting his new Newcastle kit, which was good to see. After putting a mini bag of toys on his Son's back, Scotty took the time to do some autographs, which was nice, but I didn't have a pen on me. It is worth pointing out that Emre has a stunning, beast of a Jag which I love only slightly more than the woman who got out of James Milner's car and stormed off round the front of the Stadium after grinning shyly at some confused supporters. That was slightly strange but nevertheless a talking point while we waited for the next car to cheer at. Also making an appearance with the players was a woman who appeared to be Albert Luque's mother and the N'Zogbia crew, who arrived in Charles' Chrysler watching MTV in the back of the car. The biggest cheer went to Damien Duff, who also took some time to sign some programmes.

10 out of 10 to the steward who revved up Peter Ramage's Aston Martin before parking it.