Butt out

Newcastle's Nicky Butt could be set to miss the rest of the season.

Butt was originally diagnosed with a hamstring complaint at the beginning of December and was told to rest for six weeks.

The England star returned to training last week, but just as he was approaching fitness - he suffered a relapse.

Now an operation looks the most likely avenue for Butt - which would mean at least three months out.

"It's a massive blow to us and him and he is naturally very disappointed to have been hit with the same problem again just as he was on the verge of returning to the side," said manager Graeme Souness.

"He is an excellent player and we've missed him. It's linked to the same problem he has had for the last seven weeks and he is going to have to see a specialist next week.

"It's very frustrating, but we need to get a second opinion. We cannot say how long he is going to be missing until he has seen the specialist."

Newcastle will be desperate for Butt to return before the end of the season, having already lost Stephen Carr for the remainder of the campaign.

It is expected, however, that Butt will miss the majority of the rest of this season - which is why Souness is believed to have made a move for Portsmouth's Amdy Faye.