WIEKENS GOING NOWHERE

Last updated : 21 October 2003 By Ben Collins

Keegan admitted that the Dutch defender's professionalism and a shortage of defensive back-up means he is still very much part of the squad, despite reported interest from Burnley.

"I know exactly where I am with Gerard Wiekens," said Keegan of the man who memorably stepped in to shackle Ruud Van Nistelrooy in last year's derby victory.

"He comes in and trains properly every day. He is delighted when he plays, he is obviously disappointed when he doesn't, but never comes knocking your door down or sulks. He just gets on with things. He is a very good professional, probably one of the best that I've worked with in my career.

"We have got a very strong squad of players here, but we are short at the back because Mikkel Bischoff has had a couple of niggly knocks, so I'd be reluctant to loan anyone out at the minute.

"I would only consider loaning someone out if it was beneficial for us - for instance, if it was one of the young kids who are knocking on the door, or players who need some match practice."

That Keegan has done with young midfielder, Glenn Whelan, who is still on loan at Bury. Whelan played in a disappointing defeat for the Shakers on Saturday, 4-0 at home to Oxford.