THE threat to the Tees-Tyne Premiership opener at the Riverside on Saturday is growing, with Newcastle United ready to ask the Premier League to call off the game.

The outbreak of conjunctivitis in the Newcastle camp continues to claim club staff, with Magpies physio Derek Wright the latest to fall victim to the eye infection.

Newcastle's medical staff are unhappy the players are having to train together, despite the measures taken to limit contact between team-mates.

Players are changing in their cars, training, then heading home for showers - so reducing any chances of picking up the virus.

A Newcastle United spokesman said: "We are very concerned that our players are having to train together.

"This is something they will have to continue to do to prepare for Saturday's game."

Five of the Magpies stars - Shay Given, Lee Bowyer, Andy O'Brien, Tony Caig and Laurent Robert - have been sidelined with the infection, but Given did return to training yesterday.

The Premier League is looking into the public health issue and it is understood that if there is a high-risk factor, it is almost certain the match will be postponed.

A League spokesman said: "We are monitoring the situation and we are liaising with both clubs."