We Haven't Seen Last Of Boom

Jean-Alain Boumsong has been reassured that Glenn Roeder has not lost faith in him. The French international didn't even make the bench for Newcastle United's last two games, and he is concerned about his World Cup prospects.

Roeder: 'I haven't lost faith in him and I would have no problem whatsoever putting Boumsong back into the starting line-up. Long term it will probably be someone else's decision - including the player himself - whether he stays or goes.

'He came to have a chat with me this week on his own without me asking to see him. His attitude was absolutely outstanding. I've known many players in his position to rear up and become angry but he wasn't. I said to him afterwards, it'would be a lot easier being a manager if all players had his character.

'It goes without saying that with five games to go one of concerns is the World Cup, as with Craig Moore. Craig needs to stay in the team and prove his fitness so that Guus Hiddink picks him for the Australia squad.

'Boumsong's been a regular in the French team for a while now and doesn't want to jeopardise the possibility of him being at the World Cup. That's understandable. I didn't need reminding there's a World Cup and he wants to be part of the French squad.'

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