GRAEME SOUNESS has attempted to draw a line under Newcastle United’s season of disillusionment, insisting that he intends to see out the remaining two years of his contract, yet the scale of his task was illustrated yesterday when two of his senior players expressed concern about the club’s fall from grace. Dissent from the disaffected Laurent Robert is commonplace, but Shay Given is no natural rebel.

Given’s anxiety about Newcastle’s chances of signing experienced players this summer will be echoed by many supporters, who have just seen the team record their worst finishing position in the Barclays Premiership. During a trying nine months as Sir Bobby Robson’s successor, the manager’s position has been questioned by some fans, but Souness will not soften his approach simply to appease his critics.

Given, the Ireland goalkeeper, was not critical of Souness, but the strength of his comments are certain to heighten speculation about his own future. He has two years of his contract still to serve and while he has repeatedly voiced his commitment to a club he has served loyally, he has frequently been mentioned as a transfer target for Manchester United.

“I’m worried about the club’s direction after what’s been a really disappointing season,” Given said. “It’s going to be very hard for the chairman and the manager to attract the necessary quality to a club that is in the InterToto Cup.”

Twelve months ago, Newcastle were challenging for a place in the Champions League, but the intervening year has brought dismissals, disputes, poor form and relentless controversy.

“I feel at this point that I should be winning medals,” Given said. “I have won nearly 70 caps for my country and, having just turned 29, I feel like I’m in the prime of my career. I know the time will fly, so I want to win something.”

Souness reiterated yesterday that Craig Bellamy would not be permitted to resume his Newcastle career when his loan spell at Celtic ends, yet in spite of some compelling evidence to the contrary, the Scot rebuffed accusations that he has gained a reputation for alienating players. “I totally deny that,” he said. “The only player I have fallen out with here is Craig Bellamy.

“Who are these players I am supposed to have fallen out with? Andy Cole? I rest my case. David Dunn? I rest my case. Craig Bellamy? I rest my case. Andy Todd? I rest my case. Dwight Yorke? We only fell out once at one training session. Don’t forget I have managed hundreds of players in my 19 years as a manager. So I have fallen out with five of them? I rest my case.”

Robert’s outburst did not support the argument. “He has trouble with a lot of players,” the France international, who is certain to be sold this summer, said. “I want to leave Newcastle because going on with Souness is not possible.” Spain is a possible destination as are other clubs in England, with Manchester City showing interest.

Souness is adamant that “only the chairman can decide whether I go or whether I stay,” and Freddy Shepherd will oversee a splurge of transfer activity.

Olivier Kapo, the Juventus midfield player, has claimed that “Newcastle want me,” while Souness watched Dado Prso play for Rangers last weekend. FC Porto have made an inquiry about Hugo Viana, who has been on loan at Sporting Lisbon.

FORGET ME NOT

FIVE MORE VICTIMS OF SCOT’S WRATH

GRAHAM ROBERTS: Blamed when Rangers conceded a winning goal to Aberdeen in 1988, he never played for the club again. Rumours that he and Souness swapped punches in the dressing-room have always been denied and the pair are now friends

JAN BARTRAM: Souness was not impressed when an interview with the defender appeared in a Danish newspaper. The headline read: “My boss is a hooligan.” Bartram left for Brondby.

TERRY BUTCHER: The England centre half and Rangers legend stormed out of Ibrox on hearing that he had been dropped for the League Cup semi-final in November 1990. Left for Coventry City.

PHIL THOMPSON: Dismissed as reserve-team coach in acrimonious circumstances weeks after Souness returned from heart surgery. The Liverpool manager alienated most of the city for telling the story of his illness to The Sun, despised for its Hillsborough coverage.

LAURENT ROBERT: “I want to leave Newcastle. Going on with Souness is not possible,” the France winger said yesterday. Robert remains one of the most talented players at St James’ Park, but Souness has despaired at a perceived lack of application.