Claretandhugh’s early news from today’s clash with Cardiff City concerns the club’s two key players – Andy Carroll and Ravel Morrison.

We understand that the big Geordie will definitely be on the bench for the clash but that the midfielder is likely to be missing.

A source at the club has told us that it will be a big surprise to everybody if Carroll doesn’t come off the bench at some time this afternoon for his first match action of the season.

Morrison, meanwhile, having trained all week arrived at the training ground yesterday reporting that he still is feeling some discomfort to the groin injury that sidelined him for the Christmas programme .

It will be interesting to see whether he makes today’s squad!

Our source refused to comment but there’s a growing feeling that the youngster could be on his way before the end of January.