By Matthew Jones
August 15 2002

Newcastle teenagers Jermaine Jenas and Hugo Viana are set for a Champions League baptism of fire in Sarajevo on Wednesday night. Newcastle teenagers Jermaine Jenas and Hugo Viana are set for a Champions League baptism of fire in Sarajevo on Wednesday night.

The 19-year-olds are both set to start the Magpies' Champions League qualifier against Zeljeznicar after manager Sir Bobby Robson suffered another midfield injury blow.

With Gary Speed already ruled out with an ankle injury, Chilean international Clarence Acuna will almost certainly miss the game after damaging a thigh muscle in training.

That means Jenas will probably partner Kieron Dyer in central midfield, with Portuguese starlet Viana playing wide on the left. Nolberto Solano will complete the midfield by operating wide on the right.

Robson said: "I'm gutted for Clarence. He has worked hard and waited for his chance and he would have got it.

"We lost him in training, totally out of the blue, about two minutes into a practice session."
Robson added: "I've got a couple of selection choices but I am going to have to send out a side with six or seven lads who are in their 20s or below.

"That is a lot of kids in the side."
Meanwhile, defender Titus Bramble is aiming to keep a cleansheet in the game.

"One of the things I learned with Ipswich in Europe last season was that cleansheets home and away are vital," said Bramble.

"If we are to do well in the Champions League, how we defend is crucial.

"Although I didn't have my best game and we conceded three goals, playing against Barcelona last week was good experience for me.
"It's all part of our learning curve and will have prepared us for Wednesday's game."