Friday Mar 14 2008 08:19
Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan has rubbished reports of a bust-up with striker Mark Viduka.
The Australia international has made just one substitute appearance since Keegan returned to St James' Park for a second stint as manager in January.
However, Keegan insists he has not fallen out with the former Middlesbrough striker, who was brought to the Magpies by former manager Sam Allardyce last summer.
Fit-again Viduka is now expected to feature in Monday's relegation showdown with Birmingham City.
"I get on really well with Mark," he claimed. "We've never had a bust-up with any player at this club and that's the truth.
"He just hasn't been fit. He's come back from one injury and then got another thing and they've all been genuine.
"If he'd been fit and available, Mark is the kind of player you want on your team sheet every week.
"When you look back over the season, when Michael Owen has played with Mark, the results have been pretty good, but unfortunately they have not been paired together much. One's had an injury, then the other.
"For the last nine games we can look at a partnership there that's going to score goals.
"You always want your best players available, especially forwards who can score you goals and win you football matches. It's a nine-game season for us now.
"If we can have a fit Mark Viduka for the last nine games, that'll be a huge bonus for us. He's my kind of player.
"It's a massive bonus having him back. At the moment, it looks as though he'll definitely be involved (against Birmingham).
"We've always erred on the side of caution, but he should be ready."
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