Butt seeks personal Greek hat-trick

NEWCASTLE midfielder Nicky Butt is hoping to complete a hat-trick in Piraeus as he attempts to help Newcastle stake their claim for a place in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals.

The 30-year-old was a member of the Manchester United squad which claimed Champions League victories away to Olympiakcos in both the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons, and is looking for a third with his new club tonight.

Dusan Bajevic's side has since returned to its spiritual home, the 33,500-capacity Karaiskakis Stadium, where they have won 10 of their 11 league games this season as well as defeating Monaco, Liverpool, Deportivo la Coruna and Sochaux in Europe.