Lion of the Weekend

"If he plays like this, he’ll be in the England team" – Garth Crooks, BBC

"Display had Sir Bobby Robson drooling" – News of the World

"Scoring sensation" – Mail On Sunday

All season Newcastle have been searching for a strike partner to put alongside Alan Shearer.

With Craig Bellamy out with a knee injury, Shola Ameobi, Michael Chopra and Tresano Lua Lua have all been tried.

But on Saturday Kieron Dyer scrambled off his sickbed to devastate Southampton in a memorable 3-0 FA Cup win for Newcastle at St Mary’s.

Dyer, in hospital for tests just a few days before, has been begging Sir Bobby Robson to play up front even though he has played for England in midfield.

Robson gave him a chance and Dyer’s reward was two score two stunning goals, rifling home the opener after 23 minutes and scoring a wonderful third just past the hour following a solo run.

Dyer was just glad that Newcastle had shown their chairman Sir Freddie Shepherd they cared about the club.

Shepherd had been stinging in his criticism just a few days before saying the club were paying Rolls Royce wages for Mini performances.

But Dyer said: "We were hurt by the criticism. We worked hard and deserved the victory."

"I have been on at the gaffer for a few weeks now saying ‘any chance of a game up front?’

"Fortunately I have scored two goals and I hope that has given the boss a nice headache."


Lion of the Weekend - Weekly Awards

Paul Scholes 3

James Beattie 2
David Beckham 2
Frank Lampard 2
Wayne Rooney 2

Shola Ameobi 1
Jermain Defoe 1
Kieron Dyer 1
Steve Gerrard 1
Emile Heskey 1
Glen Johnson 1
James Milner 1
Stefan Moore 1
Luke Moore 1
Jermaine Pennant 1
Michael Owen 1
John Terry 1


TheFA.com will announce their Lion of the Weekend every Monday. A Lion of the Season award will be announced in May based on the number of weekly nominations.