Shearer strengthens winning side

By Trevor Haylett

Sir Bobby Robson spoke enthusiastically about the exciting future beckoning Newcastle United FC as long as they continue their current rate of progress, but said their immediate future in the UEFA Champions League depends on striking another Group A victory against Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Wednesday.

Must-win game
Sir Bobby describes it as a must-win game. Maybe that was clever psychology on his part because Newcastle have already faced the challenge of a "must-win" game on four occasions in the competition and come through in style every time. "Winning last week has given us a lifeline but if we don't win tomorrow night our chance to progress goes," he said. "Three points from four games would not be enough with the two leading teams to come."

Shearer returns
It can only help the English club's chances that Alan Shearer, their captain, returns after serving a two-match suspension. In ordinary circumstances that would rate as a strange statement to make given that Newcastle's goals in last week's 3-1 victory at the BayArena came courtesy of Shola Ameobi and Lomana LuaLua, the replacements for Shearer and Craig Bellamy, who completes his ban tomorrow. But then Shearer is no ordinary player, no ordinary man.  

'Blend is right'
"Alan is one of a group here who not only have top-class ability but also top-class personality," added Sir Bobby. "Then we have the promise and potential of some good young kids. The blend is right. I watched the squad train today and it was so good we should have charged admission for people to watch. I'm pleased with the way things are going but if you think you have arrived you will finish up on your backside. You have to keep hold of yourself and just keep working away."

Jenas out
Robson has a "nice" selection headache of who to leave out of a squad that has only Jermaine Jenas, with an achilles problem, as a definite non-starter. Nolberto Solano is fit after injury but needs match action, while Hugo Viana has made a "marvellous recovery" from a dislocated shoulder but is unlikely to start. Jenas's place in midfield is likely to be filled by Brian Kerr, as was the case last weekend as Newcastle maintained their Premiership charge with a 3-0 victory at Leeds United AFC.

'Determination and skill'
The new Leverkusen coach Thomas Hörster can only envy Newcastle's luxury of introducing a player of Shearer's standing to a winning team, saying: "I would love to have a player with his determination and skill, his arrogance." Although Leverkusen stopped a rot of five successive league defeats with a 2-1 weekend win at Hannover 96, they travelled to England without German international Bernd Schneider who has 'flu. As does Thomas Brdaric, while Hanno Balitsch is suspended.

No chance
Hörster does not "have any realistic dreams of progressing in the tournament", and believes second place behind FC Barcelona in the section will depend on the outcome of Newcastle's trip to face Internazionale FC on Matchday 11. After Newcastle lost their opening two matches in Group A, Sir Bobby would have settled for that.