NEWCOMER Amdy Faye has pledged to use his European experience to help overcome a midfield crisis that threatens to derail Newcastle's UEFA Cup hopes.

The Magpies will take on Dutch side Heerenveen this evening shorn of two of their leading lights after Nicky Butt's ankle problem and Kieron Dyer's illness prevented them from travelling with the rest of the squad yesterday.

Jermain Jenas is also a major doubt and, with the UEFA Cup representing one of only two possible routes to silverware this season, a great deal of responsibility will be heaped on Faye's shoulders.

United will seek to maintain their unbeaten European record and establish a winning position ahead of next week's return leg on Tyneside.

Faye, 27, only joined Newcastle from Portsmouth three weeks ago but, rather than cracking under the weight of expectation, the tough-tackling midfielder is confident he can use his extensive European experience to help a makeshift midfield shake off the loss of at least two England internationals.

Faye made the first of his 13 European appearances for former club Auxerre in 2001 and, as well as lining up against Arsenal in the Champions League, he also played in both legs of the French side's UEFA Cup fourth-round defeat to Liverpool in February 2003.

That reverse still rankles but, after being on the receiving end of one English side's win on foreign soil, the African is determined to ensure Newcastle record a similar result this evening.

"I know that I have an important job to do in Holland," said Faye. "I have experience of playing in Europe.

"I've played in European competitions and in the French League, and I know what it takes to get a result in a different country.

"I played with Auxerre in the Champions League and also represented them in the UEFA Cup.

"The games that really stand out are the games we lost against Liverpool in the UEFA Cup. They were exciting games to play in but it was a big blow when we didn't win.

"That loss hurt, but I'm really happy that I've got the chance to make up for it with Newcastle.

"I need to concentrate on my own game, but I also have to do all I can to help the others do well. I want to do my bit for the team."

Faye began his career with Monaco but, after a spell with French lower league side Frejus, Auxerre recognised his talent and added him to a squad that already included the likes of Jean-Alain Boumsong and Djibril Cisse.

He helped the club win the French Cup in 2003 and feels that his knowledge of the continental game can only add to the Newcastle side.

"European football is different to playing in England," said Faye. "It's quite a bit slower a lot of the time and you have to be more patient.

"The Premier League is a different place to play. In European football, a player like me has to sit back even more and help the defence, especially away from home."

Faye's international experience is not limited to the European stage, as last week saw him win his ninth full cap for his native Senegal.

A knee injury forced him to miss 2003's African Nations Cup tournament but, after fading into the international background during his time with Portsmouth, his move to Tyneside saw him hastily recalled for the friendly with Cameroon.

Faye does not feel that the two events are unconnected and, after battling his way back into coach Guy Stephan's thoughts, the midfielder is determined to stay in the international limelight.

"It was important for me to get back into the Senegal team," said Faye. "I'm very happy to have been given that chance.

"Playing for my country is very important to my career. We are all looking towards the World Cup and, for me, it would be great to play in another World Cup for my country.

"I think playing for Newcastle has played a big part in me getting back in the Senegal team. People know all about Newcastle and what the club stands for."

* Celtic's on-loan striker Craig Bellamy was quizzed by police following an incident in Glasgow - even though he was 200 miles away in Inverness at the time. Celtic have now called on police to punish the person who made the false allegations.

A club spokesman said: ''This is not only very upsetting for the player and his family but it is also a complete waste of police time.

''Hopefully the person making these false allegations will be dealt with appropriately by the police."

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