Newcastle United's next opponents in the Premier League will be Everton at St James' Park on February 22. In the normal run of events, one might expect two competitive managers in Toffees' boss David Moyes and Toon gaffer Joe Kinnear to indulge in a spot of good natured 'mind games' in the run up to what is an important fixture for both sides.

But events this week have, of course, put football into perspective a little, as Kinnear, after suffering from high-*lo** pressure prior to the Geordie club's match at West Bromwich Albion last weekend, is set to undergo a triple heart bypass operation over the weekend.

And Moyes, a man who gives the impression of being one of the game's more reasoned and reasonable characters, has nothing but good wishes for his counterpart on Tyneside.

"I sent Joe a message wishing him good luck and hoping everything goes well," Moyes told Everton's official website earlier.

"We compete against each other week in week out and I think in the end, behind it all, there is an understanding and a job that everybody has to do.

"You might be someone with money or someone without money, someone at the top of the league or at the bottom. There's still a similarity in the job."

And the Everton manager, speaking to reporters at his Friday press conference, added that there was still a culture in the game of looking out for one's colleagues, despite the highly competitive nature of the Premier League.

"I'm sure in the world of journalism you look after your own and we look after ours as well," the Scotsman added.

"Hopefully Joe will get through the operation and gets back strong again."