Scott Parker could miss the rest of Newcastle's season because of glandular fever. He is awaiting test results which will confirm whether or not he is suffering from the illness.

If results are positive, Parker (25) will sit out the rest of the campaign and can forget any lingering hopes of making England's World Cup squad.

"We are still waiting for confirmation but all the signs are that Scott has got glandular fever," Newcastle caretaker boss Glenn Roeder said.

"Doctors don't like to say anything until test results come back, but that is what we are expecting.

"We think he has had this problem for a month or more, and that sums up everything you need to know about Scott Parker."

Parker has revitalised his career on Tyneside after a difficult spell at Chelsea during which he struggled to force his way into the team.

He has been a regular when fit at Newcastle, and has reproduced the form which persuaded the Blues to invest £10 million in his services in January 2004.

His central midfield partnership with Turkey international Emre was a feature of the club's improved form until the run of four successive defeats. PA