Jonás Gutiérrez tipped to light up derby

May 8 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

JONAS Gutierrez has been tipped to come in from the cold and light up Monday’s Tyne-Tees derby.

The Argentina winger has been no more than a bit part player since Alan Shearer took charge of Newcastle United, starting two of the last five games and failing to nail down a regular starting berth in a struggling team.

But Shearer’s assistant Iain Dowie insists that has been down to a succession of niggling injuries rather than reservations on the part of the coaching staff about the midfielder’s ability.

Hopes were high for Gutierrez after a strong start to his Newcastle career but 2009 has been a difficult year for the winger who, despite an admirable work-rate and some solid defensive play, has struggled to make an impact in the final third.

Upon taking charge, Shearer said that he wanted Gutierrez to relinquish some of his defensive responsibilities and take on a more traditional, attacking role but five games later his cross completion rate is still well below where it should be.

That worrying fact is mitigated by a couple of excellent cameo appearances against Stoke and Portsmouth and Shearer will be hoping for more of the same from one of his key men.

Dowie believes his true potential will shine through now that his fitness has been carefully managed.

“Jonas has been unlucky with some injuries. He’s had little knocks – he had a little knock before Liverpool, for example,” he said.

“There’s certainly no problem with him – he’s part of it. He’s a very important player, he can play all over the pitch and we’ll certainly be thinking about him for Monday.

“He’s had a little bit of injury since we took over so we’ve maybe not seen the best of him. But in bits and pieces when he’s come on he’s been excellent.

“We’ve protected him from the injuries and hopefully he’ll be able to do it on Monday for us now.”

Gutierrez’s participation on Monday depends heavily on whether Shearer favours a 4-3-3 formation or sticks with two wide players.

The three up front option is currently at the forefront of Shearer’s thinking, with Michael Owen set for a recall, although the Newcastle boss hinted yesterday that he could yet jettison that idea to add more width to the side.

So far Shearer’s team have shown little to suggest that they are capable of getting the goals which will down Boro on Monday, but Newcastle’s manager remains convinced that they have enough ability – and time – to get out of danger.

“We have still got enough time and enough in the dressing room to get us out of this and I have confidence in my squad. Results keep going for us elsewhere. We could have changed things for the better ourselves but we haven’t. Other teams haven’t taken advantage and we are all still in there fighting.

“I am still enjoying it, without a doubt. There have been a few challenges but as daft as it seems I am enjoying it and I’ll enjoy it more on Tuesday morning if we have three points. The players are aware of the stakes. It is a matter of trying to go out and enjoy it and give out all.”