The Roker Roundup: March 1st 2012 - Bardsley's Injury Blow & Could Meyler Leave On Loan?

A new month, a new start, but it's still the same old Roker Roundup here bringing you all the top notch SAFC news that's worth your time today.

Today is still March the 1st, and on this day in history internet behemoth Yahoo! was launched. Also on this day the Hoover Dam was completed. Meanwhile on Wearside in 1999 Danny Dichio and Super Kevin Phillips scored in a 2-0 win over Portsmouth at the Stadium of Light on our way to a record-breaking season. Let's not forget either, today is Martin O'Neill's birthday!

In more present day matters though, here's your nightly news...

Tough-tackling midfielder Alex Rae has laid down the gauntlet to Lee Cattermole, Jack Colback and Craig Gardner ahead of this weekend's derby, saying that if we are to have a chance of winning, they must assert themselves in midfield and take control. This was the key to wins over the club when he starred in victories over them. All in all, Rae talks a very good game in today's Northern Echo - CLICK HERE

There was doubel delight for Fraizer Campbell last night. Not only did he make his senior international debut, but he also became a father for the first time as Isla Rose came into the world. Congratulations Frazier - CLICK HERE

With Campbell tending to his missus and child post-match, and therefore not doing any interviews, his former teammate Danny Welbeck seemed to step into the breach, and talked up Campbell's chances of going to the Euro's this summer - CLICK HERE

Martin O'Neill is apparently torn as to whether he should allow midfielder David Meyler to leave the club on loan. Meyler needs games, but he's also a very useful back up. Several Championship clubs are in the hunt for the Irishman according to The Journal - CLICK HERE

Phil Bardsley had to withdraw from the Scotland squad earlier in the week due to injury, and the extent of it is coming out now. He's not looking good to face Newcastle this weekend, and could be out for a lengthy period. Martin O'Neill has plenty to hink about now - CLICK HERE

But who will replace Bardsley? Well it's probably not going to be Ahmed Elmohamady, as he's been allowed to stay in Qatar with the Egypt side ahead of their friendly with Congo on Saturday, according to Egyptian Newspaper Ahram - CLICK HERE