Souness On Butt Ahead Of UEFA Cup Tie

By Matthew Jones
November 25 2004

After being sent off after just 133 seconds on the pitch in Newcastle's first round clash against Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin (and then missing the next two UEFA Cup games through suspension), Graeme Souness has told Nicky Butt that he needs to put in a special performance tonight.

Nicky Butt will return to the starting line-up tonight as Newcastle take on Sochaux, and, speaking to the Journal, Souness said:

"I would hope Nicky Butt is keen to make up for lost time.

"At the time everyone was disappointed with him, but in hindsight even the most saintly of players could be excused for getting involved with that Sakhnin side.

"Nicky might be thinking he let the lads down then but he's back with us now.

"I'm sure he's learned from his mistake against Sakhnin and I'd like to think when he's watching Manchester United play Lyon in the Champions League he has an extra incentive to get back on the European stage.

"With Jermaine Jenas feeling the strain of a heavy workload for club and country, Butt is likely to partner another man with something to prove, Kieron Dyer, in the centre of midfield against the French side.

"Kieron had an excellent game at Crystal Palace.

"He's one player I haven't had the chance to work with properly but he's a class performer.

"Apart from one trip we had to the local police station together, I've not had cause to speak to Kieron about anything other than his progress on the field since I've been here.

"And he's a very good footballer, make no mistake.

"Darren Ambrose, James Milner, Robbie Elliott and Shola Ameobi are all likely to be recalled to the starting line-up as Souness attempts to avoid fatigue among his injury-hit squad."