Carr has been at Newcastle since joining in 2004

Newcastle are to release Stephen Carr, Peter Ramage and James Troisi at the end of the season.

The contracts of the trio run out this summer and Magpies manager Kevin Keegan has confirmed that they will not be offered new deals.

"We wanted to keep Rammy but he wants to play regular football and I couldn't guarantee that here," Keegan told the club website.

"He goes with our best wishes, as does Stephen Carr, who's been a great pro."

Right-back Carr, who moved to Tyneside from Tottenham in August 2004, has endured an injury-hit campaign in which the 31-year-old has made only 10 starts and two appearances as a substitute.

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"He wasn't offered a contract and I explained the reasons why," added Keegan.

Defender Ramage, 24, and midfielder Troisi, 19, are both products of the club's youth academy.

Troisi has failed to make an appearance for the Newcastle first team and has been let go as Keegan looks to improve his squad.

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

Keegan is expected to have funds at his disposal during the summer and has already stated he is planning a number of signings as he attempts to get the club challenging for a European berth next season.

"If I can get three or four players in to add to what I have got here - and we have that bit of luck you need with no injuries to key players - then we might be able to win the second division of the Premier League," he said after the 2-0 loss to Chelsea on Monday.