It's good to be linked to Forest - 27/08/2003

There have been a number of reports linking me with a loan move to Nottingham Forest, and with being out of the first team spotlight, it’s good to know that clubs are still aware of my situation at Newcastle. Forest are certainly a club I’d be interested in – particularly on the basis of a loan deal as it would give both sides a chance to take a look at eachother. They haven’t had the best of starts but I know that Paul Hart has assembled a very good footballing team. He’s also just brought in Steven McPhail and it’s good to see the side being strengthened. Whatever does or doesn't happen, I'll keep plugging away and waiting for my chance to come.

Tonight’s game at St.James will be interesting. There’s so much running on this match and although the 1-0 win in Belgrade certainly gives us the advantage, it’s by no means certain that we’ll qualify. The team has been released to the media, so I can tell you that Olivier Barnard is in for a tough game tonight. The Partizan right-back likes to bomb forward – and they also pay with a winger so it’s going to be a busy night for Olivier. Hugo is back in the team and will be playing on the left, but he was brought to the club for his ball playing, rather than ball winning skills. I their main threat will therefore be down our left side and the gaffer will be looking for a more solid performance than that given on Saturday against Man Utd.

The club really enjoyed our run in last season’s Champions League, and if we get the result tonight, everyone will be looking forward to the UEFA draw. They don’t come much bigger than Barcelona, Juventus, and Inter Milan, although one team we’d love to be drawn against is Real Madrid. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, tonight’s game comes first.

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