PSV: One To Watch: Mateja Kezman


By Matthew Jones
April 4 2004

St James' Park boss Sir Bobby Robson has singled out PSV Eindhoven's Mateja Kezman as the man to watch for Newcastle's UEFA Cup quarter-final.

KEZMAN IS THE ONE TO WATCH

Arjen Robben, will almost certainly miss this week's first leg in Holland, but Kezman will feature.

He has netted himself 17 goals in just 22 league appearances this season and Robson warned:

"Kezman is the main threat to us.

"He's a great goalscorer - he has an incredible record - has good movement and is a good finisher. He certainly doesn't miscue many times in the box."

The absence of Robben (injury) and defender Kevin Hofland (suspension) is a boost for United, and Robson added:

"I'm very glad Kevin Hofland is out at the back. That's a big plus for us. But Mark van Bommel has come back into their team - I like him as a player."

However, PSV's Dennis Rommedahl and Swiss international midfielder Johann Vogel are both likely to be fit to play on Thursday, and Robson warned: "It will be our toughest test in the UEFA Cup so far.

"I thought Basel was a difficult match - we did well to knock them out - but PSV will be slightly better than Basel."

Robson also admitted: "I think it's a slight advantage to play away from home first.

"If you get a decent result first away from home, it makes the second leg less nervous.

"And the more nerves you can take away from your players, the better you'll get from them."

Sources in Holland are currently claiming that Kezman is a summer transfer target for the Magpies.

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