Boss' praise for Dudek

Last updated : 05 March 2005 By Al Campbell
Dudek picked up an injury against Chelsea last week but has told Rafael Benitez he will play through the pain barrier against Newcastle today, earning the praises of his manager.

Benitez said: "I think Jerzy will be OK. He is in pain but he said to me yesterday that while he has two arms, he wants to play.
 
"That's the attitude we want. When a goalkeeper tells you he wants to play, even when he knows he's made a mistake against Leverkusen, it means he is right mentally.
 
"If we need Scott he can play, but Jerzy has more experience. When you decide to change a 'keeper you must give the new 'keeper at least four or five games. At the moment, we have two good goalkeepers, but it's better to use the one with experience. We have a lot of confidence in Scott but also in Jerzy."