Bruce gives Butt a way out of Toon

NICKY BUTT has accepted the chance of a season’s loan at Birmingham to avoid the prospect of spending the months before the 2006 World Cup on the Newcastle bench.

Former Manchester United team-mate Steve Bruce rescued the 30-year-old England midfielder, whose first-team opportunities at St James’ Park were expected to be limited after the arrival of Scott Parker and Emre.

Butt was pulled out of the second leg of the Intertoto Cup semi-final against Deportivo La Coruna after Birmingham manager Bruce agreed to a loan deal with a view to a permanent move which would cost the St Andrews side €3 million.

Having failed to live up to the reputation he established at Old Trafford following his move to St James’ Park last summer, the arrival of Parker and Emre was a clear signal that Graeme Souness was not happy with Butt’s contribution.

Butt spent almost 12 years at Man Utd, three of them alongside Bruce.