Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder is backing revitalised midfielder Nicky Butt's winning mentality to inspire a Premiership recovery for the Magpies.

Roeder's men extended their unbeaten run to four games with Thursday night's excellent UEFA Cup victory over Celta Vigo to ensure their place in the last 32. But they will return to Barclays Premiership action against Portsmouth on Sunday looking for a first league win since September 17 and a first at home since the opening day of the campaign.

"Nicky's experience is very important to us bearing in mind there is no-one in our dressing room who has the same level of experience at European level or Premiership level, and certainly no-one who has won anywhere near the medals he has," said Roeder. "He is a valuable part of the squad."