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Graeme Souness will quickly take control of the Newcastle United dressing room, according to Dwight Yorke.


The Magpies plucked Souness from Blackburn Rovers on Monday to replace Sir Bobby Robson at the St James' Park helm.

Robson's final days in charge on Tyneside were marred by reports of schisms in the squad, most notably when Kieron Dyer refused to play in a set position against Middlesbrough.

But experienced forward Yorke, who left Blackburn last week for Birmingham City, is confident the Magpies squad will not play the same tricks with Souness.

Yorke had a string of bust-ups with Souness at Ewood Park but has backed the Scot to be a hit in the North East and feels he will swiftly stamp his authority on the club.

"I don't think Souness would stand for a player refusing to play in a certain position," said Yorke.

"Souness is definitely not someone to take liberties with.

"He has been a very successful player and manager during his career and has an aura about him when he is walking around the place which commands respect from a footballing point of view.

"He is very disciplined and likes doing the right things the right way.

"Only time will tell whether he will be able to unite the dressing room there but I can see him doing well at Newcastle."

Magpies defender Andy O'Brien welcomed Souness' appointment and is thankful the speculation about a replacement for Robson is now over.

The Irish international said: "I was shocked last Monday when Sir Bobby left and I am equally shocked now.

"But it is good everybody now knows who the manager is. Hopefully we can push on and put all this behind us.

"He has managed some great clubs and everybody is looking forward to working under him."