Chance for Ginola to show his worth in Metz

NEWCASTLE manager Kevin Keegan believes that the UEFA Cup third round draw which has paired his side with French club Metz can provide winger David Ginola with the perfect stage to relaunch his international career.

Ginola remains a favourite in his native country, despite his exile from the French national squad, and is certain to prove the main attraction in the first leg tie on November 19th.

Keegan, who is hoping that England striker Alan Shearer will have recovered from his groin operation in time for the December 3rd second leg at St James' Park, said: "David will be going back to France and he will have the chance to show the French team manager what he is all about now.

"We respect Metz but we don't fear them and at the same time we are fully aware that French teams always seem to do well in Europe.

"And we are seen as a big scalp around Europe these days. I couldn't believe how berserk the fans went in Budapest when Ferencvaros just edged us in the first leg of the previous round," added Keegan, whose side are now rated as second favourites for the UEFA Cup.

Metz, who defeated Sporting Lisbon in the last round, view the draw as the best they could have asked for. Despite their poor League form - they currently lie 12th in the first division after losing 2-1 at home to lowly Le Havre last weekend - Metz are confident that the first leg at their Saint Symphorien stadium will prove a money spinning 27,000 sell out.

Club president Carlo Molinari said: "Newcastle are obviously the most dangerous club we could have drawn. I have no doubt that they are future champions of England and they have great attacking potential. But they do have weaknesses and we intend to exploit them. We are capable of beating them - it's not beyond us.

Keegan said: "Metz must be one of the few places in Europe I haven't played at and I felt we were going to draw my old club Hamburg but let's hope we save that one for the final."

Newcastle were relieved to have avoided favourites Inter Milan, who had England midfielder Paul Ince sent off in their defeat of Casino Graz in the second round, and have been drawn to play Portuguese side Boavista.