Gary Speed praises pal Kevin Nolan

GARY SPEED says that Sheffield United do not need to be warned about the Kevin Nolan factor going into Newcastle United's battle with the Blades on Monday night.

Speed and Nolan are close pals from their time together in Bolton Wanderers engine room under ex-Toon boss Sam Allardyce, and the Sheffield United assistant manager is wary of the Newcastle midfielder's threat in front of goal.

Nolan has netted eight times this season and is currently on a real high after firing in a stunning winner against Doncaster Rovers to keep the Mags on top of the Coca-Cola Championship.

And the respected figure of Speed - who helped Newcastle get to the Champions League and challenge for the Premier League - told the Chronicle: "We don't need to be reminded how dangerous Kevin is.

"Kev's got a great eye for goal.

"He's a great player, and I speak to him quite a bit.

"I enjoyed a couple of great years playing alongside him, and I thought we complemented each other well.

"It was great playing with him.

"He's a leader, and gives 100% in every game and on the training pitch.

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