How the players rate for our Champions league campaigns:
Goalkeepers:
General - top quality, Champions league standard
Shay Given 10/10
One of the best in Premiership, gets plenty of practice
Steve Harper 7/10
High quality keeper in his own right
Tim Krul 5/10
Young up and coming, showed promise with brilliant display in Palermo match
Defenders
General - Just hopelessly inadequate. There is no leader to organise and too many youngsters being asked to perform above their experience
Stephen Carr 5/10
Capable, injuries becoming an increasing problem
Craig Moore 5/10
Capable squad centre half, best organiser we have, recurring injury problems
Titus Bramble 6/10
Known to the fans as Titus Shamble. Would play better with an organiser next to him.
Peter Ramage 5/10
Promising junior squad centre half, constantly being asked to fill in out of position
Steven Taylor 6/10
Promising junior squad player, always gives 100%
Paul Huntington 4/10
Fringe junior squad player
Celestine Babayaro 2/10
One of the weakest left backs in the premiership
Olivier Bernard 1/10
Failed as left back first time round and now on his return is injured for rest of season
Midfield
General - Definitely Champions league standard but being let down by the physio room. If we could keep this lot fit we'd have one of the best midfields in the premiership
Nolberto Solano 7/10
Reliable and proven though approaching end of career
Belozoglu Emre 5/10
Strong going forward on his left foot, rarely works back and can't tackle with right foot
Kieron Dyer 9/10
If only we can keep him fit
Damien Duff 6/10
Yet to prove himself but would benefit from playing in his proper position
Charles N'Zogbia 6/10
Extremely talented youngster, should be squad player but injuries forcing him into team
James Milner 7/10
Extremely talented youngster who needs confidence and matches in his proper position
Nicky Butt 7/10
Getting back to his Man United form, needs to sustain this to justify his high salary
Matty Pattison 3/10
Not ready yet
Alan O'Brien 3/10
Not ready yet
Strikers
General - no where near good enough. We haven't replaced Shearer despite having 2 years notice of his retirement. No cover for long term injuries i.e. Owen
Albert Luque 0/10
One of the highest paid players. Has already assured his place in the History of Newcastle United as one of the worst ever buys.
Obafemi Martins 7/10
Looks promising but needs time to settle in. A lot to ask for him to lead the line with little support from other strikers
Michael Owen 9/10 (when fit)
Given his recent injury record, needs to go to a club with a good physio room, not Newcastle then !!
Antoine Sibierski 6/10
Sheer effort has made his move a success. However, short term stop gap only, not Champions League standard
Shola Ameobi 5/10
Should be commended for playing on through his hip injury. But has not proven he is Champions league standard
