KEITH GILLESPIE is desperate to win his battle against injury in time for Newcastle's showdown with Manchester United at St James' Park tomorrow (Sky Sports, 4.0).
Eric Cantona's goal last March earned United a 1-0 win at St James' Park - a result which reduced Newcastle's lead at the top to a single point and gave United a psychological edge for the title run-in.
Former United winger Gillespie, a doubtful starter because of flu and a ricked neck, admits Newcastle are determined to avenge that defeat.
"We owe them because of last year's result at St James' Park and I'm desperate to play, but that doesn't involve any sentiment on my part," said Gillespie, who joined Newcastle in the £8 million deal which took Andy Cole to Old Trafford.
Newcastle have yet to beat United in the Premiership having drawn three matches and lost three, including last season's double, and they suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat in the Charity Shield in August.
Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan insists his side are capable of producing the football to finally end their hoodoo against the champions. His cavalier side had a purple patch during their 3-2 UEFA CUP defeat against Ferencvaros in Budapest on Tuesday night. It gave Keegan confidence.
"If we can produce the sort of football we played for 25 minutes before half-time we can beat any team in the world - not Just Manchester United."
Keegan will not name his team until just before kick-off, but protest he could-keep faith with the side which started against the Hungarians despite widespread criticism of Czech goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek and defender John Beresford.
Steve Howey has had specialist treatment on his calf strain, but is struggling to be fit, and Darren Peacock and Philippe Albert seem certain to continue at the "heart of the Newcastle defence.
David Batty, who made his Newcastle debut against United in March following his £4 million move from Blackburn, promises to be a key figure in the battle for midfield dominance, particularly as United will be without Roy Keane.
United manager Alex Ferguson is contemplating one change from the United starting line-up in Budapest. If Ryan Giggs recovers from hamstring trouble he will return, enabling Nicky Butt and David Beckham to renew their centre midfield partnership. Ronny Johnsen, deployed in a midfield holding role against the Turks, is likely to drop down to the bench.
Phil Neville, who has recovered from an ankle operation at the end of August, is also likely to be among United's substitutes.
Jordi Cruyff is a slight injury worry following his substitution on Wednesday night but Ferguson expects him to be fit for the Tyneside trip.
United have won five of their last six matches but Newcastle have won their last six league games and the form of Ferdinand, who has plundered nine goals in his last eight games, and Shearer, with five in his last six league and cup matches, serves as a warning to the champions.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YVIRIOZQ35EWRPZXR27KGMO6YU.png)