Spidey to play on Friday

[Barney 0]

Jonas Gutierrez may make Newcastle debut

 

Jul 29 2008 by Alan Oliver, Evening Chronicle

Jonas Gutierrez

 

KEVIN Keegan is hoping to hand new boy Jonas Gutierrez his Newcastle United debut in this week’s Mallorca Summer Cup.

 

In fact, the United boss has already pencilled in the Argentinian winger to play in Friday's night's game with Hertha Berlin in Palma.

 

But Gutierrez will not play against his former club Real Mallorca in United's second game on Sunday night.

 

United are still waiting for Gutierrez's registration to come through, and that is why, after he travelled to both Hartlepool and Doncaster, he was left kicking his heels on the sidelines.

 

United are not amused at the delay over Gutierrez's registration, but Keegan had a little chuckle at the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday when the travelling Toon Army chanted: "We want Spiderman”.

 

Keegan is confident things will be in place by Friday night as Gutierrez makes a quick return to the Spanish sunshine island where he has played his football for the past three seasons.

 

The United boss told me today: “Jonas will definitely play in the first game against Hertha Berlin on Friday night as, unless something unforeseen happens, we should have his registration.

 

“That’s my intention. He wants to play. He desperately wanted to play against Doncaster, but there was no chance of getting his registration.

 

“But I won’t play him against his old club. There is no agreement – I just won’t play him against his old club so quickly. However, I’ve told him I’ll play him in the first game.”

 

Gutierrez was still playing for Argentina in their World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Ecuador in the middle of last month, along with other United targets Fabricio Coloccini and Nicolas Burdisso.

 

And because of this Keegan has no fears about his fitness, even though the Premier League opener with Manchester United at Old Trafford is now just 20 days away.

 

Keegan said: “He’s only four weeks after finishing playing, so he doesn’t need the games as much as the others.

 

“He’s not missed as much. He’s had games while the others haven’t, so it’s more important for some of the others to get games.”

 

Meanwhile, Joey Barton was due to return to training with United today following his release from prison yesterday.