Rozehnal's done Gunners homework

The 27-year-old Czech international, who was expected to line up against the Republic of Ireland in Prague tonight after helping his country to a 3-0 victory over San Marino at the weekend, has taken time to glean all he can about the Gunners from compatriot Tomas Rosicky.

Newcastle beat Barnsley in the Carling Cup last month but face a tougher tie against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on September 25.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has traditionally fielded youngsters and fringe players in the competition but Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce will leave nothing to chance in his preparations.

And his £2.89million signing from Paris St Germain has wasted little time in doing his own homework.

"I have been speaking to Tomas about the game on international duty," he said.

"We have had a few jokes about it, but we are both looking forward to the game. As soon as I heard the draw, I thought of Tomas.

"It will be a difficult game, but this is football and we know if you are to be successful, you need to win those games.

"That's why you play, to test yourself against the best players. It will be a big game for us and hopefully it will be a winning game for us."

Rozehnal has been a big hit at St James' Park after his move from France, initially lining up alongside England Under-21s captain Steven Taylor, but also partnering impressive Brazilian Claudio Cacapa for the 2-0 win over Barnsley and the 1-0 Barclays Premier League victory against Wigan last time out.

Allardyce will hope the Czech - and all the club's other players away with their respective countries - returns from international duty fit to give him a major decision to make ahead of Monday evening's trip to Derby.

Transfer deadline day arrivals Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye are pushing for debuts as Newcastle attempt to maintain a five-game unbeaten run.

Another player who has impressed on international duty this week is 18-year-old striker Andy Carroll, currently on loan at Coca-Cola Championship Preston, who marked his England Under-19s debut with a goal as his side ran out 4-0 winners over Belarus.

Newcastle's academy manager Joe Joyce is delighted with Carroll's progress, especially after comments from the Football Association's director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking about the number of home-grown players making the breakthrough to senior level.

"There has been a lot of speculation recently about academies and what they are producing, but at Newcastle in the last couple of years, we have provided the reserve team and first team with young players," said Joyce.

"It was interesting to hear Stuart Pearce talk about which clubs provide the under-21s with players, and he narrowed it down to about four clubs, of which we were one.

"From our point of view at the academy, it's great for the young lads coming through the club.

"They can see Andy progressing and it gives them something to aim for, not just playing for England, but playing for the first team."