Bobby pleased with Viana debut

By Matthew Jones
August 8 2002

Toon boss Bobby Robson was pleased with new-boy Hugo Viana's display in Newcastle's disappointing 3-0 defeat against Barcelona on Wednesday.

Toon boss Bobby Robson was pleased with new-boy Hugo Viana's display in Newcastle's disappointing 3-0 defeat against Barcelona on Wednesday.

The United boss was keen to highlight the positives from the friendly defeat against the Catalan giants - with the performance of Viana meriting a special mention.

The former Sporting Lisbon starlet played out of position in a left-wing role against Barca on Wednesday - filling in for the injured Laurent Robert.

And Robson was delighted with the way he coped in front of a sell-out crowd.

"Hugo worked hard and showed a lot of talent in an unfamiliar position," he said. "He handled himself very well and I think the supporters were pleasantly surprised."