Press article:

Solano confident they can take chance - 07/02/2003

Nolberto Solano today urged his Newcastle United team-mates to extend their winning streak at St James's Park and keep their title hopes alive. The Peruvian believes United's disappointment at having their last game at Middlesbrough postponed will not affect them when they run out against Arsenal on Sunday.

Solano is hoping to return to the starting line-up, having had to settle for a place on the bench at Tottenham Hotspur. Sir Bobby Robson faces a tough selection dilemma in midfield with Gary Speed declaring himself fit and Jermaine Jenas having scored four goals in his last five games.

But whether Solano starts or not, he is confident the 10-day break between games will not work against third-placed Newcastle when they take on the Premiership leaders in one of United's biggest games of their season. "It was disappointing that the game against Middlesbrough was called off the day before," said Solano. "But that is history now and we are looking forward to the game and we were full of confidence after winning the match away to Spurs. "We are professionals and we cannot let the postponed game affect us. We have had a longer break with the game at Boro being off but we are preparing well for the Arsenal match. "We have an excellent record at home and we go into every match with confidence. We know they are an excellent team with many good players, but we are on a good run and we know that if we can get the three points we can keep in touch with them."

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