DESPERATE TIMES

Alan Pardew has no qualms in playing Roy Carroll on Sunday. He even thinks he's a top keeper.

"We have worked Roy hard - he is fine and it will mean a lot for him to play," said Pardew.

"I know he will be highly motivated for the game."

"The statistics prove Roy has been one of the top keepers in the division this season,"

"His saves to shots ratio is second to none but it was the same at United too.

"One of the reasons I got him was that he wanted to play - he did not want to be on the sidelines.

"I did not do it blindly. Make no mistake I was desperate for him."