[kennethlindheim]

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has released former Republic of Ireland defender Stephen Carr, young defender Peter Ramage and Australia youth player James Troisi.

The three players have been told their contracts will not be renewed, and the decision to let Ashington-born Ramage go was clearly a difficult one for the Newcastle boss.

Ramage, 24, has played 68 games for Newcastle since his debut three years ago, but this season's appearances were cut short by a knee injury.

The product of the club's Academy has told Keegan he needs first-team football, but he knows he will have to leave St James' Park to get it.

Keegan said: "We wanted to keep Rammy but he wants to play regular football and I couldn't guarantee that here.

"He goes with our best wishes, as does Stephen Carr, who has been a great pro for this club. He wasn't offered a contract and I explained the reasons why.

"James Troisi has also gone. He has gone to play for Australia in the Olympics but he has not been offered a contract."

Full-back Carr, who announced his international retirement last year, signed from Tottenham in 2004 and he made 107 appearances for the Magpies, scoring just once.

But the surly defender has also been troubled by numerous injuries in his four-year stint, missing most of Keegan's games in charge with a knee injury which has forced him to miss the run-in since early February.

Midfielder Troisi, 19, did not make his full debut for Newcastle although he does have one Australia cap to his name.

Carr, Ramage and Troisi leaving Toon as Newcastle boss Keegan wields the axe | the Daily Mail

Good start to get rid of the deadwood, especially Carr. I expect to see N'Zogbia, Duff, Capaca, Rozehnal, Diatta and hopefully Smith to go as well.