Robson not allowing Viana to leave
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Hugo Viana (left) is not being allowed to leave Newcastle
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NEWCASTLE, England -- Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson is refusing to let Portuguese midfielder Hugo Viana return to Sporting Lisbon on loan for the season.
The 20-year-old joined in July 2002 for £8.5m but has been unable to force his way into the side, damaging 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," said Robson.
"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?' added Robson.
"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 Premier League. 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.
