Viana told to bite the bullet

The talented schemer has found his path to regular selection blocked by the consistency of veteran Gary Speed and with the Welshman's form showing no sign of abating, Viana is facing further frustration on the sidelines.

Viana has enjoyed scarce first-team opportunities since arriving in the North-East in July 2002 from Sporting Lisbon and this lack of football looks to have put a premature end to the 21-year-olds dream of representing his country in Euro 2004.

Despite the despondency of his £8.5 million capture, Bobby Robson has pleaded for patience from the player who had hoped for a loan move away from Newcastle in the January transfer window.

''I have a lot of sympathy for Hugo and can understand how frustrating it is for him but he has to soldier on,'' said Robson.

''If nothing else, all this will help to toughen up his character.''