Damien is no duffer - Roeder

Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder is backing summer signing Damien Duff to prove his quality once again after a recent return to form.

The 28-year-old Republic of Ireland international very nearly helped the Magpies beat Arsenal on Monday - going close on three occasions during the goalless stalemate - and is somewhere nearing full fitness and looking to reward Roeder for his £5million investment.

Roeder said: "Damien looks a different player in the last three or four games. We can look forward to the Damien Duff everyone knows for the next four years when we start pre-season in July."

The United boss added: "I hope he finishes the season like he has played these last two, three, four games, if you include his two international performances.

"He looks like the Damien Duff we brought here at the start of the season, and I am really, really pleased for him because he is a great guy to work with."