Newcastle boss Alan Pardew wary of Liverpool threat - The Sun

NEWCASTLE boss Alan Pardew reckons Liverpool still pose a serious threat to Newcastle’s survival hopes without suspended 30-goal hitman Luis Suarez.

The Reds head to Tyneside this weekend missing their leading star after he plunged his teeth into Chelsea ace Branislav Ivanovic last Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers’ loss could be Alan Pardew’s gain — but the Toon boss will not take anything for granted.

Pardew said: “I don’t know if it’s helped, but he’s a fantastic player and has had a marvellous season.

"It’s unfortunate that events are going to probably scar his season because it has been outstanding.

“For us, he doesn’t play and I suppose that is helpful, but I’m sure it will only enthuse Liverpool’s players to show that they can play without him.”

The Magpies sit six points above the drop zone but face a tricky run-in, with Arsenal lying in wait on the final day of the season.

And Pardew will hope to complete a hat-trick of home victories over the Reds as Newcastle boss to appease fans angered by the heavy derby defeat against Sunderland.

He explained: “To be honest, I just want to move on. It’s done, there’s nothing we can do about it, there’s no point going over it.

“But the hurt will go on and I will make sure we hurt right up until the next fixture next year.

“We are going to try to really show in our performances and everything we do that we are fully committed to Newcastle United.

“Some of these social media are carrying all sorts of conspiracy theories about what’s wrong, and most of it is absolute, total rubbish.

“We have got a strong squad, we have got a tough game on Saturday against Liverpool and with our fans’ backing, we have got a good chance of winning it.”

Pardew has been boosted by the return to full training of skipper Fabricio Coloccini, while midfielder Cheick Tiote has recovered from a hamstring problem.

However, full-back Davide Santon is still missing with a hamstring injury and is unlikely to play again this season.

Pardew added: “I think Santon is struggling for the rest of the season. There’s an outside chance for the Arsenal game.”