Published Date:
22 August 2008
By Miles Starforth
HABIB Beye has put club before country to be fit for tomorrow's home game against Bolton Wanderers.
The defender – whose pre-season was hit by an Achilles problem – spoke with Senegal coach Souleymane Camara ahead of Wednesday night's friendly against Libya, and the pair felt it was best Beye did not make the gruelling journey to Tripoli.
Last Sunday's season-opener at Old Trafford saw Beye play his first 90 minutes of the campaign, and he did not want to suffer a set-back by playing one game too many.
However, the 30-year-old – now in his second season at St James's Park – is determined to represent his country in next month's World Cup qualifiers, and hopes to be fully fit by the time Senegal meet up again.
"I'm not back to 100 per cent yet," Beye said.
"Manchester United was my first 90 minutes, and it was quite hard towards the end.
"I feel OK, though, and I just need games.
"After three or four games, I will be back to 100 per cent."
Beye is now fresh for the visit of Bolton, and he is hoping Newcastle can claim all three points after pushing double winners Manchester United all the way.
He went on: "Now we play Bolton at home, and we need to win. That would complete a good start.
"The first home game is very important.
"Everybody is happy to come back to play in front of a full house at St James's Park."
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Last Updated:
22 August 2008 3:31 PM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Blyth, Northumberland