LAURENT ROBERT feels refreshed and has vowed to repay the supporters who have stood by him by helping Newcastle United continue on the road to recovery.

After forcing his way back into Graeme Souness' plans, the enigmatic French winger has been an integral part of the Magpies' four-match winning streak.

Prior to Newcastle's success in Heerenveen on February 17, Robert had only started one of their previous five matches and had voiced his concerns about not being a regular - after the club had won just two in seven league matches.

However, with Newcastle trailing in Holland that night and the fans chanting his name, Robert's introduction sparked a revival and the Premiership outfit went on to win the vital away leg 2-1.

The former Paris St Germain man was recalled to Souness' starting line-up for the FA Cup tie with Chelsea, a game in which Robert's early cross set up the match-winning goal for Patrick Kluivert.

And now the £9m left-midfielder, looking ahead to Saturday's encounter with Liverpool, is enjoying being back in favour at St James' Park, where he continues to be idolised by large sections of the Geordie faithful.

Robert, who enjoyed a love-hate relationship with former boss Sir Bobby Robson, has also had disagreements with Souness over his defensive responsibilities.

But there remains no doubts about Robert's value when he threatens in the opposite direction and, now that he is happy with life again, that can only spell bad news for opposing defenders.

"I want to play every game and the last two months have been very difficult for me. In and out of the side was very difficult but I'm enjoying it again," said Robert, one never afraid to voice his concerns about being out of the first team.

"I work harder on the training ground and in the last two weeks I have been pleased with what has happened. I came on in Holland, when we were 1-0 down and we went on to win the game. I have played every game since and that's been nice.

"But I try to improve myself all the time and I think that's important. Working hard in training will only help that. I enjoy playing, like anyone else, and I don't enjoy it on the bench.

"The fans are great to me. They chant my name all the time and it's important for me and my family to know they support me. Sometimes it has been difficult for me but it's always nice in bad times to know the fans like me."

The victory over Bolton on Saturday has moved Newcastle to within eight points of the top six and, with a place in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup and a quarter-final FA Cup spot secured, optimism has returned to the club.

Robert said: "I enjoy it when Newcastle win, even when I'm not involved, but we want to finish as high up the table as possible. I can help that. We have begun to climb and we have to make sure that continues. I'm confident we can do that and so is the manager."

Robert has enjoyed good fortunes in previous years against Liverpool and he is hoping those are repeated when the Reds visit the North-East on Saturday.

In September 2002 he came off the bench to inspire a Newcastle comeback and he was influential in the 2-2 draw. That year he scored 12 goals and, having hit just three so far this season, he would love to add to his tally this weekend.

"I have had good games against Liverpool and I have scored in the past, hopefully the same will happen again on Saturday," said Robert.

"The manager has brought in some more players and everyone has seen in the past four games that we have been much better. We have won games and now we need to do the same again in a big game against Liverpool."

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have claimed former Newcastle defender Jonathan Woodgate is unlikely to play again this season.

It had been feared Woodgate, yet to play for the Spanish giants since leaving the Magpies in August, needs another operation but that has been denied at the Bernabeu.

Real admit the 25-year-old's long-term thigh problem is being "maintained" rather than improved. A club spokesman said: "He will not need another operation. We don't know where these rumours have come from."

* Newcastle's UEFA Cup clash with Olympiakos in Greece on March 10 will kick-off at 5pm (GMT).

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