Viana Wants Regular First Team Action

By Matthew Jones
July 26 2003

Hugo Viana wants to be a regular part of the Newcastle United midfield, but feels left out because of the competition for places. He has admitted he fears missing out on next year's Euro 2004 championships because of this.

Hugo Viana wants to be a regular part of the Newcastle United midfield, but feels left out because of the competition for places.

He has admitted he fears missing out on next year's Euro 2004 championships because of this.

He said: "This season it is vital for me to play more games for Newcastle.

"I really need more opportunities because I desperately want to be at Euro 2004.

"This is such an important event for me. I have got to make it into the squad in Portugal in the next few months but my chances all depend on making the breakthrough at Newcastle.

"But look at the size of the squad here. There are so many players competing for midfield places and now the manager has just signed Lee Bowyer.

"Of course I will keep working hard, but everyone knows if I don't get into the team then I won't be in the international squad. And that will be very hard for me to take."

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