Vianna to start for Toon-Robert left out of France

By MatthewJones
October 4 2002

Hugo Vianna is to make a weekend start, while teammate Laurent Robert is left out of the French side, despite being watched in Italy by Pierre Mankowski.

Newcastle could ring the changes in midfield for Saturday's visit of West Brom in order to hand a start to Portuguese teenager Hugo Viana.

The £8.5m former Sporting Lisbon starlet has been on the bench for five of United's last six games but is poised to be on from the off against the Baggies. United boss Sir Bobby Robson may rest one of Kieron Dyer, Jermaine Jenas and Gary Speed to accommodate Viana, with Craig Bellamy reclaiming his place up front.

But Newcastle are likely to remain unchanged at the back, despite Titus Bramble suffering a similar fate to Viana in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Laurent Robert has failed to make his national side for their forthcoming Euro 2004 qualifiers against Slovenia and Malta.

The United winger's hopes of an international recall were raised when France coach Jacques Santini sent right-hand man Pierre Mankowski to watch him in action for Newcastle against Juventus on Tuesday night. Despite a good performance, he has not been picked for his side.