Defence to have makeshift look for rest of season

Coyne - To have knee surgery

Sol Davis was substituted on Sunday during the 1-1 draw with local rivals Watford, and it was later revealed that he would miss the rest of the season with a thigh injury. With just four games left and nothing to play for this season, it will be an ideal opportunity for Newell to give fringe players a chance in the team, although there are no left-backs availiable. Filling in for the rest of the season at left-back is likely to be Leon Barnett, although Carlos Edwards or Keith Keane may be pushed back.

Chris Coyne missed Sunday's local derby after knee surgery. Michael had hoped to delay his operation until the summer, although Russell Perrett's impressive performances in defence may have attributed to the operation being brought forward. Perrett and Heikkinen are likely to fill in the centre-back positions for the rest of the season. However, with Keith Keane as the only real possibility for cover in defence, any more injuries could be a problem for Newell. Or at least they would be if we still had something to play for. Unfortunately for Chris Coyne, the operation will probably eliminate the very slim hope he had of making the Australia World Cup squad.