Viana set for award


By Matthew Jones
July 5 2002

New-boy Hugo Viana will tonight receive the European Young Player of the Year award, with the praise of his new chairman ringing in his ears. New-boy Hugo Viana will tonight receive the European Young Player of the Year award, with the praise of his new chairman ringing in his ears.

Viana will be presented with the award - voted for by the coaches in Italy's Serie A - in Sardinia after an eye-catching season with Sporting Lisbon and the Portugal Under-21 side.

And United chairman Freddy Shepherd - who paid £8.5million for 19-year-old Viana last month - insists the accolade proves the youngster will be a wise investment.

"We are all delighted for Hugo," said Shepherd. "To win such a prestigious award shows the faith Newcastle United have put in him is very well placed.

"I am sure that all our supporters, like myself, are relishing the prospect of him turning out in a black and white shirt."

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