GLENN Roeder has claimed that Nicky Butt's Tyneside rehabilitation is complete after the controversial midfielder was cheered from the Emirates Stadium pitch in the wake of Newcastle's spirited draw with Arsenal.

After being recalled to replace the injured Emre, Butt was one of the Magpies' most impressive performers as they hauled themselves out of the Premiership's bottom three on Saturday afternoon.

His spirited showing in north London followed hot on the heels of this month's match-winning display in Palermo, a performance which had helped to erase some of the bad-feeling that had blighted much of Butt's two-and-a-half-year association with Newcastle.

Jeered by his own supporters following an insipid FA Cup semi-final display against his former employers, Manchester United, the England international was packed off to Birmingham on a season-long loan that looked like ending his Magpies career.

But with the Blues' subsequent relegation offering him an unexpected second chance on Tyneside, Roeder has been delighted at the commitment Butt has displayed this season.

"Our performance at Arsenal was epitomised by a block by Nicky Butt in the first half that was magnificent," said the Newcastle boss.

"If I was going to show video evidence to young players of how to come out and block a shot on the edge of their own area, that would be a great example.

"The bottom line is that Nicky loves playing football and I think he has always wanted to play for Newcastle.

"Without me being at the match where there were problems, I think it was misunderstood and misinterpreted.

"He is such a good professional that he will show complete and utter loyalty to whatever shirt he is wearing. But, on that day, he was playing against people he had grown up with.

"It was a bad defeat and what happened next was badly misinterpreted. From what I know of him, he would never intentionally upset our supporters. It has taken a long time for our supporters to realise what he is about, but now I would like to think we can draw a line under anything that's happened in the past."

In particular, Roeder has been impressed by the professionalism that has enabled Butt to force himself back into the first-team frame at St James'.

The 31-year-old might have won league titles, FA Cups and the Champions League during his ten-year stay at Old Trafford but, according to his manager, his hunger to improve remains an example to anyone.

"When you work with Nicky Butt every day, you realise very quickly why he played for Manchester United and won so many medals," said Roeder.

"He is in his thirties now, but he never goes back in after the main training session, he always stays out there and does extra work.

"He's a great example to our young players and to any young player. Thankfully, I think our supporters are starting to see his value now."

Meanwhile, Roeder will send both Damien Duff and Craig Moore for a scan today as he faces a mounting defensive crisis ahead of Thursday's European showdown.

Duff could hardly walk when he boarded the coach at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday night, and it is feared he could have sustained cartilage damage that will keep him out for up to six weeks.

Moore's hamstring injury is not thought to be as serious, but the Australian is unlikely to be fit for Celta Vigo on Thursday.

Should Carr and Moore both fail to make this week's game, Roeder would have to field either Nolberto Solano or Charles N'Zogbia as a makeshift full-back, or hand 19-year-old defender Paul Huntington his first-team debut.

l Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is hoping to complete a loan deal for Newcastle winger Alan O'Brien ahead of Thursday's Football League deadline for emergency short-term transfers.

l Celta Vigo warmed up for Thursday's game with a Galician derby win over local rivals Deportivo La Coruna at the weekend. Nene scored the only goal of the game as Celta rose to 11th in La Liga.