Newcastle United's chances of beating the drop will be hurt by Joe Kinnear's absence.

That's the claim of Cardiff City assistant manager Terry Burton.

Burton was working alongside Kinnear when he had a heart attack before a game in 1999.

He reckons Kinnear's illness signalled the beginning of the end for Wimbledon, who were relegated the next season and then controversially became MK Dons.

Kinnear, 62, is facing a long spell out for a heart op and Burton said: "When Joe left it was never the same.

"He's the bloke you need at a club facing the drop."