Butt out until new year

Newcastle United FC midfield player Nicky Butt has been ruled out until 2005 with tendinitis in his hamstring.

Absence confirmed
The 29-year-old English international has been suffering with the problem since his €3.7m move from Manchester United FC this summer. A scan has now confirmed he will be absent for at least a month from the English Premiership team who complete their Group D fixtures at home to Sporting Clube de Portugal on 16 December. Their place in the next round is already assured.

'Enormous blow'
Newcastle manager Graeme Souness said: "He has been told he must rest for between four and six weeks. It's an enormous blow for us. I think he arrived with the injury. It has been niggling him for a while and it has not had a chance to settle down."