ROBSON: Hugo Viana Can Go!
By Matthew Jones
December 7 2003
Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson has given Hugo Viana permission to leave the club on loan in January. Robson is willing to let the midfield go out on loan but only to a foreign side as he does not want him coming up against Newcastle in The Premiership. He MUST rate him, so why doesn't he play him?
VIANA TO GO
Viana has become increasingly frustrated at his lack of first team chances at St James' Park since his £8.5 million arrival last summer and has admitted that he would like a loan move to get regular first team football.
The 20 year old fears his lack of action for Newcastle may also end his chances of breaking into Portugal's Euro 2004 squad.
Robson is willing to let the midfield go out on loan but only to a foreign side as he does not want him coming up against Newcastle in The Premiership - He MUST rate him, so why doesn't he play him?
"Hugo is still a very good player but we have got to consider what is best for the lad," said Robson.
"If he is allowed to go and get some experience it will be to a club abroad, possibly in Portugal. We would want him to play regular first team football, otherwise there is no point in him going away.
"He is still very much in my mind because he is such a talented player.
"We signed him as a long-term replacement for when Gary Speed finishes, but Gary's form has been so good we have given him another year on his contract.
"Hugo has got to be patient but we think we have got a diamond of a player for the future."
Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson has given former Sporting Lisbon midfielder Hugo Viana permission to leave the club on loan in January.