By Matthew Jones
December 15 2004

Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana, currently on loan at Sporting Clube de Portugal, believes that Sporting can come away from St James Park on Thursday night with all three points. A victory for Newcastle would see them finish top of Group D, but Hugo Viana believes that Sporting - the club where he is on a season-long loan - can spoil the Magpies' night.

Hugo arrived in the region on Wednesday with the squad, but will not be taking part in the game.

Hugo is quoted on the Official Newcastle website as saying: "I'm very happy to be back in Portugal at the moment, and so are my family.

"It's good to be playing football regularly and I am enjoying being with Sporting. The weather there is a lot better too, it's not as cold as Newcastle and you never see rain!

"I'm disappointed not to be able to play on thursday, and I was also disappointed not to play in the friendly game in the summer. I will train with my team-mates though before the game, but my contract does not allow me to play in the game so that is a shame."

He added: "I am looking forward to the game, but I haven't given my team-mates any secrets about Newcastle because I don't know any!

"Everyone knows the Newcastle players, and our coach saw them play Portsmouth on Saturday so he will have the team prepared for the game and they will know what to expect.

"I think Sporting can win the match, it should be a good game.

"As for my future, we will have to wait and see what happens my loan deal is complete, but at this moment in time I am happy in Portugal."