Jamie Lawrence has broken his jaw and could be out of Bradford City's battle for Premiership survival.

The Bantams midfielder was involved in a training ground accident yesterday and an X-ray revealed he has suffered a fracture.

It is almost certain to mean that Lawrence, who has been on top form in recent weeks, will be out for the rest of the season.

Robbie Blake may come into the line-up for the trip to Newcastle tomorrow on the right side of midfield although Paul Jewell will not name his line-up until shortly before kick-off.

Chairman Geoffrey Rich-mond said: "Clearly this is a blow for the player, but looking at it positively this gives another player the chance to come in and become a hero."

Meanwhile, the City chief is calling on Bantams fans to make their voices heard in the intimidating atmosphere of St James' Park to boost the bid for survival.

The Bantams face the North East giants in front of some of the most passionate supporters in the country.

City sold their allocation of 1,000 tickets almost immediately last month but have today received an extra allocation of 30 tickets from Newcastle which were available from the ticket office on a first come, first served basis.

Richmond knows City face a tough task in their battle for crucial Premiership points and says the fans have a huge part to play.

The City chairman said: "Our fans have been extremely good on their travels this season and given the side some magnificent support even when we have been behind.

"That has never more so been the case than at Coventry two weeks ago. It is very easy to support your side when in front, but it is when you are behind that the support is most valuable.

"We were 2-0 down at Coventry quite early on but after half-time our supporters were magnificent and helped us enjoy our best spell of the game.

"We know they will get behind us tomorrow and make their voices heard above the passionate home support. It will be a massive help to the players."

Gareth Whalley is battling to be fit after picking up a groin strain in training earlier this week.

The squad travelled to a North East hideaway on Wednesday in the hope that the extra preparation will boost the bid for crucial Premiership points.

Richmond said: "I have been told that the facilities are excellent and that it is really helping the players prepare for the game. We did the same before the game at Wolves last season.

"The club wants to do all it can to aid preparations.

"If it works, maybe we will do this three more times this season before away games."

City have won only twice on their Premiership travels this season - at Middlesbrough on the first day of the season and at Derby on September 25. Since then they have collected just one point from ten outings.

They beat Newcastle 2-0 at Valley Parade in December.