NEWCASTLE United's injury jinx struck again as they bowed out of the FA Cup at Villa Park last night.

Manager Bobby Robson revealed after the third-round replay defeat that Gary Speed and Stephen Glass have joined the ranks of the Magpies' walking wounded.

With skipper Alan Shearer, Carl Cort and Robert Lee already among the casualties, Robson conceded that Speed and Glass are doubtful for Saturday's testing trip to Leeds.

Both picked up calf injuries and Robson said: "We've done very well of late with a depleted squad, so we'll just have to soldier on.''

Robson bemoaned his side's luck as Aston Villa striker Darius Vassell's 50th-minute goal, which went in off his knee, settled the tie and earned his side a home fourth-round date with Leicester.

"The lad knew nothing about it,'' exclaimed Robson. "You have to give credit to Paul Merson for the cross, even though Aaron Hughes didn't close him down.

"Warren Barton could have headed the ball out but he didn't want to give away a corner and it hit the guy's knee. It was a lucky goal and because of that we lost the match.

"Once Speed went off at half-time it was always going to be tough because he's another key player we're without.

"He couldn't give us much in the last 20 minutes of the first half because he couldn't run.''

With United's absentee list lengthened by the suspensions of Kieron Dyer and Nolberto Solano, Robson added: "We were victims of having too many players missing.

"Our keeper, Steve Harper, was probably the outstanding player on the night because he had the most to do.

"The FA Cup is not to be for us this year, but with all the injuries we've had this season, things can only get better when we get players back.

"We've just got to consolidate our Premiership position and pick up as many points as we can.''

Villa boss John Gregory played down comparisons between England Under-21 international Vassell and Manchester United's former Villa star Dwight Yorke.

"I don't think he's quite as elegant as Dwight, and he's a bit quieter,'' said Gregory.

"He's usually in his own bed by 11 o'clock at night!''

Gregory revealed that defender Gareth Southgate had been forced to come off shortly before half-time with damaged knee ligaments