Kieron 'More Goals Than Bellars'

To be honest we are very reluctant to cover any story concerning Kieron Dyer's supposed comeback.

Whatever date is set, it never seems to happen, none more so than this match with Manchester City. Souness gives a date, and within days there is another problem. So much so there has been a strong rumour around St James' Park for four months now that we have seen the best of the England international.

When Craig Bellamy was sold to Blackburn, Souness was desperate to prove the club could do without him, and the Jock came up with the bizarre: 'Kieron Dyer will score more goals than Bellamy this season. You watch.'

But as with everything Souness says these days, it goes in one ear ... and out the other.

Souness: 'This weather has hurt Kieron a wee bit. We hoped he was going to have a really hard week of training this week - but with the pitches frozen, that's been limited somewhat.

'We are hoping Kieron can be on the bench against Portsmouth. But a lot can happen between now and Saturday - I'm sitting here with everything crossed.'