'Ghost of Newcastle'

plots another upset

by Steve Hunter

BACK in favour Tranmere winger John Morrissey is just itching to be included in one of the biggest games in Tranmere Rovers' history - Saturday's FA Cup 5th Round tie against Kenny Dalglish's Newcastle United in front of 30,000 screaming fans at St James' Park (kick-off 3pm).

Rovers, surprise 3-1 victors at Reading last weekend, were hoping for another three points in last night's home clash with Swindon to set their confidence sky high for Saturday's trip to face Alan Shearer and Co - and their famous Toon Army of fans.

However difficult the task looks on paper, Tranmere are looking forward to the occasion. "We'll be up for it, no doubt about that!" said Morrissey.

Fans' favourite Morrissey, who was recalled to the Tranmere line-up to play an instrumental role in the Reading triumph, told me: "I haven't played recently because of the system. I was delighted to be back at Reading."

Morrissey has been something of a lucky charm for Rovers against Newcastle in previous meetings. He scored in a 2-0 victory at Wembley in the Mercantile Centenary tournament, when Newcastle fielded the likes of Paul Gascoigne and Brazilian Mirandinha.

But he has special memories of another memorable victory over the Geordies, shortly after Kevin Keegan stunned the world of football when he returned to manage Newcastle towards the end of the 1991-92 season.

"I set up a goal for the gaffer (John Aldridge) and scored the winner in a 3-2 victory at St James' in our first season in Division One," recalled Morrissey. "It would be nice to repeat that!"

The winger, who is arranging his much deserved testimonial match for the end of the season, does not accept the theory that because Newcastle are going through a bad patch Rovers will face an easy ride.

"Far from it!" said Morrissey. "Just because Stevenage did well against Newcastle doesn't make us favourites. Just look at their squad, with the likes of Alan Shearer, Rob Lee, John Barnes, David Batty, Stuart Pearce, Pistone - and they've just added Gary Speed from Everton.

"It is good to play against players of that quality and we will give it a go. There is a place in the FA Cup Quarter Finals at stake . . . let's hope Stevenage haven't taken all the luck, and there's some left for us because luck plays a big part in the FA Cup."

The prospect of Rovers' young defence facing football's costliest striker, £15 million man Alan Shearer, is a daunting task. Mr Aldridge will be hoping key central defensive lynchpin John McGreal has fully recovered from a hamstring pull he sustained at Reading.

Tranmere will be cheered on by 2,800 supporters at St James' Park. All available tickets were sold out by yesterday (Tuesday).

Nineteen coaches will travel from Prenton Park, with many other fans making their way by car and, although Mr Aldridge says staying in Division One remains the priority, the FA Cup provides a welcome distraction - and income.

Rovers' share of gate receipts is expected to add about £200,000 to the Prenton Park coffers.

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