KIERON Dyer last night suffered more torment in an already frustrating season when he learned that manager Glenn Roeder intends to use him sparingly between now and the end of the season.

Dyer's campaign has been curtailed by a series of hamstring problems and a medical condition, which have seen him make only several fleeting appearances for Newcastle United.

Brief run-outs against Portsmouth, Aston Villa and a dream start against Southampton in the FA Cup fifth round - where he capped a sparkling display by netting the winning goal - appeared to have put an end to all Dyer's injury woes, only for him to break down again.

Fortunately, his latest hamstring injury was not a serious one and the midfielder returned to the side as a second-half substitute in last week's defeat at Old Trafford against Manchester United.

With a clean bill of health, Dyer is champing at the bit and was keen to make up for lost time, only to discover that Roeder intends to keep him on a tight rein.

'"Just reading what the manager has been saying about me being a bit-part player in the next few weeks is frustrating because I haven't played any games recently,'" admitted Dyer who hopes to get another run out against Liverpool tomorrow.

'"Obviously he is looking out for me but I just want to play football and do the business. I want to be let off the leash. I know he is trying to protect me and I appreciate that but we've got some great games coming up. Liverpool is always a great game to play in and then Chelsea, which is going to be our biggest game of the season.

'"My last appearance at St James' Park was like a fairytale scenario where I came back and scored the winner and jumped in with the fans to celebrate. It would be good to get another run-out and spur us on to victory.

'"The manager said that if I take it slowly now I'll probably get a run of games before the end of the season. I'll probably come in earlier than the rest for pre-season and then I'll be geared up for the start of next season.'"

Dyer confessed that despite being at his lowest ebb in football he never felt his career was under risk due to the nature of his injury being a muscle problem, rather than ligament or bone damage.

But he did reveal he received a sympathetic ear from a former United favourite going through a similar scenario himself

"One of my good friends is Jonathan Woodgate and he has been having the same problems as well," said Dyer.

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