Viana Wants first team Chances

By Michael Lynch
January 15 2004

And Sir Bobby Robson is unhappy about the way that he brought this to his attention- via a media outburst. Public outburst won't improve his chances in the first team.

'I've seen him today and I've told him I'm disappointed that he took his outburst to the press,' said Robson. 'I don't think that's quite right - it's old hat anyway.

'I didn't think it was the right thing for a 20-year-old player to do. My answer to Hugo was, it was no. Yesterday, it was no, today it is no and it will be unchanged tomorrow.

'I'm not interested in any texts or faxes or letters or phone calls or any press campaigns as to `is it yes' or `is it no'?

'There's only one manager at this club and I think it's me, and we've made a decision that Hugo stays.'

Viana has grown frustrated at his lack of opportunities at St James' Park, and his cause has not been helped by the form of Gary Speed, the man covering HIS position.

However, the 34-year-old has urged his young team-mate to remain patient.

'I speak to Hugo a lot,' said Speed. 'He's a fantastic player, he's very young and I understand his frustration.

'But I say to him, `You're still very young and you're a fantastic player' and this experience, whether it be a good or a bad one, it's going to make him a better player in the end, and he agrees with that.

'But hopefully he can show everyone what he can do. He's a great lad, he's got a great attitude and he wants to do well for Newcastle. He does like it here, and hopefully, that can help.'

But he won't be letting Viana take his place in the team easily, and will want to play first team football before he retires.

'I want to play every game, I've always been like that,' he said. 'But if I don't play and Hugo plays, then I'll be the first to shake his hand and wish him all the best.

'That's what football is. Everyone wants to play and I think it's healthy when you're at a club like this and you've got fantastic players.

'If I wasn't playing, I'd be annoyed and I'd be upset, but that's the way football is and that's why everyone's fighting for places. It keeps the standard high, hopefully.

'I've been very lucky throughout my career and I've never been on the sidelines. I've always been playing.

'I've been fortunate and I suppose if it does happen, it would probably hit me harder now than ever.'

Meanwhile, Robson insisted that he knew nothing of a bid for Leeds striker Alan Smith, despite reports of an 8.8m bid for the player.

'Shola (Ameobi) will be fit in a week's time, (Kieron) Dyer has done very well for us, Alan (Shearer) has done very well for us, and we still have Carl Cort and (Lomana) LuaLua flew off to the Congo yesterday.'

 

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