Ginola test holds no fears for Griffin

From Ananova Wednesday January 17, 2001

Newcastle defender Andy Griffin is preparing himself for another battle with the enigmatic David Ginola as he dreams of FA Cup glory.

United head for Aston Villa tonight for a third round replay after a stuttering 1-1 draw at St James' Park on January 7.

Nolberto Solano's late strike earned his side a second bite at the cherry that day, but while the Magpies never really hit the heights first time around, there were one or two bright spots.

The biggest of those - certainly in the view of the home supporters - was the way in which 21-year-old Griffin handled the Frenchman, who is always guaranteed a hostile reception on Tyneside because of his outspoken comments about the club, and skipper Alan Shearer in particular, since his departure.

Indeed, Ginola is currently not exactly flavour of the month within his own dressing room, with manager John Gregory adding to the criticism of one of the English game's most talented mavericks in recent weeks.

Whether or not he retains his place against Newcastle remains to be seen, but Griffin will approach the game ready to tackle him head-on, just as he did 10 days ago.

"I think I've played against him three or four times now," he said. "The first ever time, he gave me a bit of a run-around, but I think I've got my own back since.

"If he plays, he plays, if he doesn't, he doesn't. But you know when you're playing against quality players, and especially David Ginola, you can get by for 89 minutes and then it just takes him one kick of the ball, or he can waltz his way through any defence and score a goal.

"It will be up to me and the rest of the team to make sure that he doesn't do that."

Griffin was rested for the 3-1 victory over Coventry City at the weekend as manager Bobby Robson cast an eye over loan-signing Wayne Quinn, but he will return tonight as his side attempts to pile on the misery for Villa, who lost 3-0 at home to Liverpool on Saturday.

"That was the last game and that's going to be totally out of their minds," said Griffin. "It's an FA Cup tie and anything can happen.

"We've got a lot of respect for them. We know they're a good team with a good defence which doesn't concede a lot of goals. But we got a good result at the weekend against Coventry, so we're confident.

"We're not afraid of anyone because, on our day, we know we can beat the best teams, and as we showed against Leeds United and Manchester United, we can hold our own."

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2001