Speed in a defiant mood

By Matthew Jones
October 7 2002

The likes of Jermaine Jenas and Hugo Vianna are in the line to take Gary Speed's shirt off him. Both young teenagers have showed that they are worthy of a place on the first-team squad, but Gary Speed is willing to put up a long and hard fight to keep his place claiming that he is still very fit.

Gary Speed has told his teammates that they will be facing a tough battle if they wish to take his place on the Newcastle squad.

The experienced United midfielder knows he faces stiff competition from teenage hot-shots Jermaine Jenas and Hugo Viana, who have both shown just what they will provide at St James' Park this season.

And his determination to play showed itself with his angry reaction when brought off for Viana at home to Leeds last month.

"What keeps me going really is that I hate missing games - I just want to play in every one," said the 33-year-old.

"I feel as fit now as I did when I was 21 - so it annoys me in a way that I have the record for Premiership appearances. People must think I'm old because it goes hand in hand, and it annoys me a bit."

Speed added: "It spurs me on more, just to try to prove to people that my age is not an issue.
"You can't survive now in this class of football if you're not physically fit."