Reds legend hails Scouse part in Toon revival
LIVERPOOL legend Jan Molby is confident Newcastle United, and the club's Scouse legion, will be back at Anfield next season.
Molby on Tyneside this week for the annual Sport Newcastle dinner at the city's Civic Centre.
And the former Denmark international, a mainstay of the all-conquering Liverpool team of the 1980s, backed Chris Hughton's Championship-leading side to finish the job off and return to the Premier League at the first attempt.
"I think they'll be back in the Premier League soon," Molby told the Gazette.
"They've managed so well since coming down, and have some good players which they managed to keep hold of. They've adapted to playing in the Championship.
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"People assume that if you're a good player, you can play at any level, but it doesn't always work like that, and the lads who stayed after relegation have proved they can adapt to it.
"They've managed to find the team spirit, and that wasn't there when they were in the Premier League."
Molby has a strong affection for Newcastle, which he feels is a similar city to his adopted home, Liverpool.
"It's very similar to Liverpool – it's a football city," added Molby.
"First and foremost they love their own. They love to see Geordies in the team – just like at Liverpool with Gerrard and Carragher."
Molby is delighted with the Scouse influence on the United dressing room, with Kevin Nolan the leading scorer.
Hughton also has Ryan Taylor, while Joey Barton is close to a return from injury.
Molby went on: "Scousers are never a bad breed to have in your team – you know what you are going to get from them, and Kevin and Ryan have done well this season, and Joey Barton is still to come back from injury.
"A couple of years ago, most of the top four would have took a gamble on Kevin at the time.
"He's here now at Newcastle, and he's doing well. He's had a great season with his goals.
"Joey's had his problems, and they've been well documented, but nobody's ever doubted he has talent.
"Four years ago he was at Manchester City, and was sniffing around the England team.
"I'm sure he can find some of that form again. I think they will get their chance again in the Premier League, and he'll want to be part of that."
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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