Stubborn Robson says it's no-go Hugo
By Rob Stewart
NEWCASTLE, England, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Newcastle manager Bobby Robson is refusing to allow Portuguese midfielder Hugo Viana to return to Sporting Lisbon on loan and will not review the decision until the end of next month at the earliest.
The 20-year-old Viana joined the English premier league club in July 2002 for 8.5 million pounds ($15 million) but has been unable to force his way into the first team on a regular basis, a situation that could damage his chances of representing Portugal at Euro 2004.
"I know he would like to go on loan but I'm staying firm in keeping all the quality players here at the club for what is ahead of us this season," Robson told reporters.
"We will review the situation at the end of January but he does not have a cat in hell's chance of leaving before then.
"At the moment, Hugo Viana, subject to my decision alone, supported by the chairman, is staying here.
"In principle I don't see that situation changing. Who knows what might happen here in the next four or five months in terms of further injuries we may incur?
"We have six players injured at the moment and I cannot let Hugo go. Supposing we were still in the UEFA Cup and the FA Cup in April and we were still fighting for fourth in the Premiership. What good is Hugo to us then if he is in Portugal?
"I'm trying to get him to understand that. He sees himself and that's all he can see. He doesn't see the wider picture. I'm fully aware that he's frustrated and the boy's a fantastic player."
Robson confirmed that officials from Sporting Lisbon had been in touch with Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd who had delegated the matter to the St James's Park manager.
Viana's cause has not been helped by a hip injury that has sidelined fellow midfielder Lee Bowyer and Robson said he could require surgery that would keep him out of action for three months.
Updated on Wednesday, Dec 24, 2003 8:54 am EST
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