Souness rues ill-discipline

Newcastle 2-0 Bnei Sakhnin

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness admitted his side failed to adapt to Bnei Sakhnin's tactics as they earned a 2-0 first leg victory at St James Park.

Newcastle's Nicky Butt and Abbass Swan of Bnei Sakhnin saw red, while the visitors also had five players booked.

"We fell for a three-card trick. They came here to upset us and to knock us out of our rhythm, and they achieved that," Souness said.

"We could not rise above it. And Nicky Butt fell for it which disappoints me."

Souness added. "At his age and with his experience, that's not the cleverest thing he's done tonight.

"I've not spoken to him, I've not seen it again, but I think he may have raised his hands, which, as you know, you can't do.

"I'm disappointed, but I've certainly been there. Sometimes frustration takes over, but he's an experienced player, so he'll be disappointed."

Souness hailed the form of Patrick Kluivert, who justified his place in the starting line-up with two first-half goals to earn the win.

And he said he was confident of progressing into the group stage of the tournament.

"It became a poor game in the second half," Souness said.

"You are playing European football. They dropped off and left us at the back and it's difficult when they do that.

"And it's difficult when they're trying to break the game up at every opportunity, but we have learned from that.

"They will have to come after us in the second leg."