By Nick Raynor
March 9 2005

Tough-man Lee Bowyer has said Newcastle have nothing to fear when the enter one of the most hostile grounds in Europe.

Newcastle play Olympiakos in the UEFA Cup on Thursday and the Magpies currently boast a 100% record in Europe this season.

 

The Greek club should have a crowd of 33,000 fans, who will try and intimidate the Geordie players.

 

Recently, fans invaded the pitch showing violence and aggression which caused Olympiakos to play their last 4 games behind closed doors.

 

Bowyer will be used to these types of violent conditions. As a Leeds player they had to play at Galatasary where only a police shield protected missiles from hitting the players. 2 Leeds fans were stabbed and killed in Turkey.

 

Bowyer said:

"People have said that it will be like going to Galatasaray, but that doesn't daunt me.”

"I have played at Galatasaray and it wasn't a nice place, but it isn't something that frightens me.”

"The home fans will be hostile but we're not playing them. It's about what we do on the pitch.”

"The atmosphere will be fantastic and I'm looking forward to it. We have a good atmosphere at St James', but this will be different.”

"It will be a challenge, but you want to play the best teams in the toughest places. I'm relishing the challenge and the rest of the players feel the same."