SIR BOBBY ROBSON yesterday cushioned the blow of a failed £2m move for Leeds striker Alan Smith by declaring that Craig Bellamy could be only two weeks away from a Newcastle comeback.

Bellamy has been out for over three months after flying to the United States to undergo surgery for tendinitis on his left knee.

But Magpies boss Robson, who feared Bellamy would be sidelined until the middle of next month, revealed that the Welsh international is now back in full training, looking "terrific'' and ahead of schedule.

Robson, hoping to have forward Shola Ameobi fit to return for Monday's home game against Fulham after a fractured cheekbone, said: "Bellamy has trained for the first time for many months with the group.

"He looks really terrific and he's on his way back. It's still a couple of weeks for him, maybe more, but I'm delighted with him and he's looking good. He's ahead of the game.''

Midfielder Lee Bowyer, who was this week told he wouldn't need surgery for a hip injury, is also nearing fitness.

Robson said: "Bowyer has trained and looks more than decent, and Shola could be ready for Monday. It's four weeks now for him. He has not seriously headed a ball in that time, but I'll be looking at him over the weekend.

"I'll give him as long as possible before deciding whether to play him against Fulham. He's looking pretty good. He was told he couldn't run for ten days because of his injury.

"I don't think he will need to wear a mask. I would not have any worries about starting with him, but he has to be sure in his own mind that he's OK.

"We also have Carl Cort and Lomana LuaLua when he comes back from the African Nations Cup. Cort is now fit after his hamstring problem.

"We are just keeping our cards close to our chest with him; we will see what happens during the transfer window.''

Northern Echo Sport revealed on November 29 that Newcastle were poised with a £2m offer for England international Smith.

Leeds' plight - the Elland Road club are around £80m in debt and operating under the threat of administration - makes them vulnerable to offers.

And despite being knocked back with an initial bid, Newcastle could make a fresh approach for Smith as time runs out for Leeds to find a buyer for the club.

Robson yesterday insisted Newcastle had not agreed a £5m deal with Manchester United for midfielder Nicky Butt.

The England international, whose transfer request was this week granted by manager Sir Alex Ferguson, is understood to favour a move to Newcastle.

Tottenham are hot on Butt's trail, but the Mancunian is not keen on a move to London.

Robson yesterday indicated he might not be involved in any transfer dealings during this month's window.

He said: "I suppose, if we were under pressure and needed a couple of players badly and had two or three holes in the team, then I would have to do something about it.

"It was decided in the summer not to spend more money then. We spent a lot of money the year before which is in this year's budget.

"Results in the last three games have helped. We are very pleased to still be in the FA Cup and we had the home win over Leeds and a difficult game at Manchester United.

"We have come out of it very well. The injury list is receding and things are better than they were.

"When we have everyone fit, we have a very good squad indeed. There is competition in defence, and that's one of the reasons I let Nikos Dabizas leave.

"We know that in Jonathan Woodgate, Titus Bramble, Andy O'Brien and Steve Caldwell, we have cover. We feel very confident in all of them.

"Titus had a slight injury ahead of the Manchester United game and I had no need to play him. I have an interesting choice now.''

Newcastle goalkeeper Tony Caig has joined Barnsley on a month's loan.