GARY Speed has tipped Newcastle team-mate Kieron Dyer to make a major impression at Euro 2004.

Dyer was given the number 20 shirt in the final 23-man squad Sven-Goran Eriksson submitted to UEFA this week.

And, while he will not start England's opening Group B game with France on June 13, the 25-year-old could yet play a pivotal role from the substitutes' bench.

He was given a 14-minute run-out as England drew 1-1 with Japan at the City of Manchester Stadium on Tuesday night, and is likely to be involved again when Eriksson's side play their final warm-up game against Iceland tomorrow.

Speed has first-hand experience of how Dyer's pace and energy can turn a game and, despite his season being interrupted by persistent injury problems, Speed is confident the midfielder can be a vaulable asset in Portugal.

"This is a great opportunity for Kieron," said Speed, who missed Wales' two most recent international games because of a hamstring problem.

"He's not in the first team, but he's more than capable of making an impact.

"His form hasn't been helped by injuries, but Sven-Goran Eriksson obviously likes what he can do. If he gets a chance to come on and make a difference in a game, I'm sure he'll take it."

Eriksson has shown considerable faith in Dyer in the past, taking him to 2002's World Cup despite a serious knee injury restricting his ability to train prior to the tournament.

He values the Newcastle star's versatility, with Dyer having played in attack, midfield and even at right-back for his country in the past.

The Swede will be left with a difficult choice if England are chasing a goal in the latter stages of a game, as he has both Dyer and Chelsea's Joe Cole on the bench.

Cole's recent Champions League experience will stand him in good stead, but all previous evidence suggests Eriksson will turn to Dyer first if he is in need of some invention in midfield.

* Newcastle and Middlesbrough transfer target Eidur Gudjohnsen has revealed that new Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has assured him that his future lies at Stamford Bridge.

The former Porto boss spoke of slashing his squad to 21 outfield players earlier this week, alerting both of the North-East's Premiership clubs to the possibility of Gudjohnsen being sacrificied to make way for summer signings.

But, after holding discussions with Mourinho, Gudjohnsen is confident that he will be going nowhere this summer.

"In any club there will be comings and goings," said the Iceland international, who will line up against England tomorrow.

"Mr Mourinho has made it clear there are a few too many, but it is not up to me to say who will stay or go. But I definitely won't be going - I know that."

* Newcastle will be able to monitor the progress of another transfer target at Euro 2004 after Sidney Govou was handed the final spot in France's squad for the tournament.

The Lyon striker will wear the number 22 shirt as France look to defend the trophy they won in Rotterdam four years ago.

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