Bowyer is a "Summer Steal"

By Matthew Jones
July 25 2003

Lee Bowyer had a superb game yesterday, and Kieron Dyer has tipped him to be the "signing of the summer". After weeks of criticism about the signing of Bowyer, which sees him and Woodgate reunited, Sir Bobby was over-the-moon with his performance.

Midfielder Kieron Dyer is confident that Newcastle's only summer-signing Lee Bowyer can become the signing of the summer following last nights display in Malaysia.

"Lee Bowyer has had his critics and may or may not have been a controversial signing," explained Dyer. "But he is a Newcastle player now and has proved that he has the potential to do really well at the club.

"I have no doubt he will settle down at United and do very well for us. It has helped that he knows a lot of the lads here, like Jermaine Jenas, Jonathan Woodgate and others from England. He's a fine player and he will prove his true value once the real work starts."

Dyer added: "Last season Nolberto Solano was the only natural wide right player we had. I had to play there and so did Jermaine Jenas and Craig Bellamy. There is no doubt the arrival of Lee Bowyer and Darren Ambrose really helps and their signings demonstrate we are always looking to improve." Robson was delighted with Bowyer's performance yesterday against a decent Birmingham side - following weeks of intense criticism regarding the controversial move which sees Bowyer and Woodgate reunited.

"Lee had a very nice debut but I'm pleased with the way all my players fared," said Sir Bobby. "I was very impressed with the way he played and the way he settled in.

"We sagged a bit in the second half because I kept the team intact for well over an hour."

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