Dyer back in training

By Matthew Jones
September 6 2002

United star Kieron Dyer is back in training and will be fit to face Leeds despite pulling out of the England squad with shin splints.

United star Kieron Dyer is back in training and will be fit to face Leeds despite pulling out of the England squad with shin splints.

Dyer was withdrawn from England's squad for the clash with Portugal at Villa Park on Saturday after suffering a recurrence of his long-standing shin problem. But the midfielder has recovered well since the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Monday and trained with the Magpies squad on Friday morning.

United physio Derek Wright said: "There are no real problems, basically we're just looking after Kieron. He was a bit sore after Monday's game and did not train with the rest of the squad on Thursday, but he's back in light training and seems fine.

"I fully expect Kieron to be ready for the Leeds game."

The Magpies face Terry Venables' Leeds at St James' Park next Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, Portugal ace Hugo Viana is hoping to get a taste of the action against England at Villa Park. United's £8.5m summer recruit from Sporting Lisbon has been told by the Portugal boss Agostinho Oliveira that he will feature against Sven Goran Eriksson's men and add to his four international caps.