JERMAINE JENAS confessed last night that Jonathan Woodgate's absence from tomorrow's do-or-die Champions League meeting with Barcelona would leave a huge hole in the Newcastle United defence.

Woodgate, who is ineligible for Newcastle's European ties after playing in the UEFA Cup for Leeds United earlier this season, has made a big impact since joining the Magpies.

His calming presence has been a major factor in Newcastle's last two Premiership wins, against Chelsea and Charlton Athletic.

And midfielder Jenas knows the Magpies' Champions League hopes will suffer from not having the £9m defender in their line-up to direct operations as they try to combat the likes of Patrick Kluivert. Jenas, 20, said: "Jonathan has brought something that maybe we didn't have much of before he came. He's a big talker on the pitch and he influences other people, and in a young side you need that. It's good to have organisers and people who want to help other people along."

Titus Bramble is likely to partner Andy O'Brien tomorrow as Newcastle face their Champions League date with destiny.

They must beat Barcelona and hope Internazionale fail to win at Bayer Leverkusen, and Jenas was at pains to point out that Woodgate's defensive colleagues have done well recently.

"There has been a lot of rotation with our centre-backs in the last three to four weeks and they've all done really well - Andy O'Brien, Titus Bramble, Steve Caldwell and obviously Jonathan Woodgate," he said.

Newcastle's defence will not be up against Argentine wonder kid Javier Saviola, who is missing with a thigh problem.

Juan Pablo Sorin is cup-tied, while Carles Puyol has travelled with the Barcelona squad but will not play as he is still suffering from a cheekbone injury.

Midfielder Gerard Lopez could play for the first time in two months, however, after his knee problem eased. He said: "I'm still not 100 per cent but I'm happy to return to the team."

Jenas insists he is remaining realistic about Newcastle's championship prospects after Arsenal's defeat at Blackburn Rovers gave them a glimmer of hope.

Newcastle are five points behind Premiership leaders Arsenal, and Jenas added: "It's hard to avoid the title race. I look at the table and see where we are. But we're not going to get carried away; we're just thankful Arsenal slipped up and we capitalised on it." Newcastle will go into tomorrow's match without Gary Speed, who picked up a groin injury in Saturday's win at Charlton.

Hugo Viana will play in central midfield in place of Speed, while Laurent Robert should return after shaking off an ankle injury.

Olivier Bernard is also likely to be fit, despite receiving a kick to the shin at The Valley.

* Newcastle's game with Barcelona will be broadcast live on Granada Plus.

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