KIERON Dyer's World Cup dream lies in tatters this morning after a reckless challenge looks to have cost him his place on the plane to Japan and South Korea.
The Newcastle United player, who has spent the majority of the season overcoming long-term injuries, was caught by a horrendous challenge by Tahar El Khalej during the Magpies' 3-1 defeat at Southampton.
El Khalej was sent off for the tackle by referee Andy D'Urso, but Dyer's hopes of fulfilling his childhood dream of playing on the world stage looks to be over.
The 23-year-old, who has missed the majority of the season with shin-related problems and a stress fracture of the foot, left the St Mary's ground on crutches and in tears after sustaining a knee injury.
Both Dyer's teammate, Alan Shearer, and Newcastle boss Bobby Robson have condemned El Khalej's rash lunge.
And last night, it prompted England coach Sven Goran Eriksson to call up Liverpool's Danny Murphy, who was on stand-by for the trip to the Far East.
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