NICKY BUTT has been banned from Newcastle United's next three UEFA Cup matches - meaning he will miss the trip to Israeli outfit Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin next week.

Butt has been handed the maximum possible suspension for his clash with Sakhnin skipper Abas Suan in the first leg at St James' Park 15 days ago.

The former Manchester United star, who moved to Tyneside for £3.5 in the summer, was on the field for just 133 seconds when he grabbed Suan, who was late with a tackle on Patrick Kluivert, by the throat in a hot-tempered game.

Now Butt is ruled out of the second leg in Tel Aviv and the first two group stage fixtures, should Newcastle complete the first round victory.

A UEFA spokesman, after yesterday afternoon's meeting of the control and disciplinary panel, confirmed: "Nicky Butt has been banned for three games from UEFA competitions."

Meanwhile, despite being axed from Newcastle's starting line-up by new boss Graeme Souness, flamboyant winger Laurent Robert has nothing but praise for the tough-talking Scot.

Since Souness took over from the sacked Sir Bobby Robson, the Magpies have won both their matches - against Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin and Southampton.

Despite being a massive part of Robson's first team, Robert was dropped to the bench at St Mary's last week for Souness' first domestic game in charge.

But the French winger, as well known for his outspoken comments as he is for his trademark long-range efforts on goal, insists he is not angry about his omission.

Instead Robert claims he has been impressed with the way Souness has gone about his new role since succeeding Robson at St James' Park.

"I didn't mind being left on the bench at Southampton because I understood it was for the good of the team. It was a tactical decision and it was explained to me by the manager," said Robert.

"I have been very impressed with Graeme Souness so far. We didn't really know what to expect, but I admire the way he communicates with the players.

"When he left me out he made sure that I understood why he was making the decision. He spoke to me man-to-man and I respect that.

"It is when decisions are not explained to you, or you don't find out that you've been dropped until the very last minute, that causes problems."

Souness could opt to bring back Robert into his starting line-up when West Bromwich Albion visit Tyneside tomorrow.

But the former Blackburn boss faces a difficult decision as to who to leave out.

Jermaine Jenas filled in for Robert at Southampton on the left flank, with Lee Bowyer and Butt holding the midfield together in the centre.

Whatever the outcome Robert insists he will be happy with the manager's decision and the 29-year-old admitted he was sorry to see ex-boss Robson leave after five years in charge.

"I was very sorry to see Bobby Robson go because he was a great man, but these things happen in football. Graeme Souness is the manager now and we have to impress him," said the 29-year-old, a £9.5m signing from Paris St Germain.

"I always give 100 per cent in every game and that is what he has asked us to do. He wants us to always give our all for the team and that is the way it should be.

"We've risen up the table in the last week and we've got to keep that going. There is a good feeling about the club at the moment and long may it last. I am very happy at Newcastle United.

"I hope to come back into the side against West Brom, but I'll wait and see what happens. If I'm not in the team I know the manager will have done it for a tactical reason and I will accept his decision because he will talk to me about it first.

"I was on the bench, but other players were also asked to play out-of-position, but they got on with the job they were asked to do as well."

* Nolberto Solano has spelt out his determination to help Aston Villa end their nine-season barren run without a trophy.

Villa have not lifted any silverware since they triumphed 3-0 over Leeds in the final of the League Cup at Wembley at the end of the 1995-1996 campaign.

Being runners-up in the 2000 FA Cup final to Chelsea is the nearest they have come since then to changing that scenario and the occasional passage into Europe is all that they have had to show for their efforts.

But Solano believes it is time for that to alter with the Carling Cup representing their most realistic hope of silverware.

Villa reached the semi-finals last season before being edged out by Bolton and they now face a third round trip to Burnley after overcoming QPR 3-1 on Wednesday.

Solano had reason to celebrate as he notched up his first goal for Villa, via a stunning free-kick, since his move from Newcastle.

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