MAGPIES' boss Sir Bobby Robson may appear in a new blockbuster movie as Hollywood comes to Tyneside.

Newcastle United have been chosen ahead of their Premiership rivals for a starring role in football-themed film Goal!

It will be a trilogy focusing on the fortunes of a soccer-mad American-Latino boy, who comes to play in the North-East.

Yesterday, the film-makers confirmed that St James' Park would be the backdrop to the movie - and cameo appearances by Sir Bobby, already a star of crisp commercials, and skipper Alan Shearer have not been ruled out.

Goal!, which has a £55m budget, is being touted as a being potentially as popular in the US as Bend It Like Beckham, which was a massive hit.

Producer Mike Jefferies, who wrote the screenplay with Adrian Butchart, said: "We are delighted to be working with Newcastle, a city renowned for its gregarious and friendly people.

"The club is famous for a tradition of attacking and colourful football and incredibly passionate fans.

"We thus believe both the club and the city will provide a truly wonderful setting for our story, and we are all looking forward to working up here, making a lot of new friends, having fun and making a great picture."

The film is being directed by top Hollywood director Michael Winterbottom, the man responsible for the cult Manchester film 24-Hour Party People.

Also working on the film is Bruce Davey, the long-time business partner of Mel Gibson, who, between them, have produced Braveheart, What Women Want and the current Hollywood blockbuster The Passion Of The Christ.

Camera crews, who will be at the ground to film match footage, also travelled to Spain last week to film Newcastle's 3-0 Uefa Cup win against Real Mallorca. They also plan to film Newcastle city centre and several of the city's top nightspots.

Goal! will see Mexican actor Diego Luna, as Santiago, being signed for Newcastle, before moving to Real Madrid.

The sequel will focus on the player's fortunes in La Liga and playing in the Champions League, with the final chapter set during the 2006 World Cup.

Diego, 24, said: "This movie is really important for me. It is like a dream."

Newcastle United's Portuguese international Hugo Viana will be his body double on the pitch.

Club chairman Freddy Shepherd, who will make a cameo as the fictional club's chairman, said: "For Newcastle it is a win-win situation.

"We are sure it is going to be a 100 per cent success and we are going to rename Newcastle Holly-on-Tyne."

Published: 30/03/2004