ALAN SHEARER last night led the protests as Newcastle United prepared to face the gruelling prospect of a second game inside two days.

United take on Wolves at Molineux this afternoon in a match which kicks off at 12.30 for coverage on Sky Sports.

Sir Bobby Robson's side are still recovering from their Thursday night UEFA Cup exertions against FC Basel at St. James' Park.

But the demands of satellite TV on the Premiership mean the weary Magpies are pressed back into action at the earliest opportunity.

Manager Robson was yesterday forced to cancel training and allow his players time to rest after journeying to their Midlands base.

United are desperate to avoid a repeat of the 3-2 defeat they suffered at Wolves last season in a high drama FA Cup third-round tie.

Skipper Shearer complained: "It's crazy that we've been asked to play at 12.30 on Saturday after our game with Basel on Thursday night.

"We don't understand why, but we have to do it. It will be very difficult. We can win at Wolves, but we know it will be tough.

"The defeat there last season in the FA Cup was the one big disappointment of the whole season.

"Even with us playing on Thursday and then early on Saturday, I'm not sure we can play as badly as we did that day. That is one positive straight away.

"We have to concentrate on the Premiership now. We have to put the UEFA Cup to bed until next year.

"It wasn't a great performance against Basel, but it was enough to see us through. We have to make sure that when it comes back round in February, we're well-placed in the league. That is very important."

Robson shares Shearer's views on United's tight schedule. "It's a ridiculous situation - I wish the game was on Sunday,'' said Robson.

"We just have to accept it, but I think it's rough on the players. They are tired and have bumps and bruises and I'll have to look at one or two people to see how they are. Alan has a cut on his head but it won't affect him.

"If we'd got through in the League Cup we could have been playing on Tuesday as well. That would have been three games in five days. We're not horses!''

Robson admits he has never been more angry as United manager than he was after the FA Cup exit at Wolves.

"We were awful there last season,'' reflected Robson. "We were too complacent and when that happens you're bound to get a shock.

"It did us some good in the long run because we still finished third in the Premiership.

"But we thought we could do big things in the FA Cup last season, and we gave a woeful display and were knocked out by a First Division team. We should never have lost that game.''

As he left the field that day, Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy infamously goaded the Wolves fans by grabbing hold of the Premiership badge on his shirt and shouting: "It's what it's all about.''

And a rueful Robson said: "We just thought the shirt would do it. It was probably the most angry I've been in my time here.

"Wolves came up this season and are getting used to life in the Premiership. They've improved but they still find it difficult.''

Robson, meanwhile, has slammed the ruling allowing the third-placed sides in the first group stage of the Champions League a route into the UEFA Cup.

Newcastle's 4-2 aggregate victory over Basel booked their place in the third-round draw, which is made in two weeks' time.

The likes of Lazio, Ajax, Rangers, Celtic and Partizan Belgrade - the Magpies' Champions League conquerors - could all drop into the UEFA Cup.

But Robson snapped: "I don't agree with it - I don't think it's right. I think they've had their chance. If you've been knocked out of one competition, that should be it. They are being rewarded for failure.''

With centre-back Andy O'Brien serving a one-match ban today, Jonathan Woodgate returns after being rested for the Basel game as a precaution following his recovery from a double hernia operation.

Midfielder Lee Bowyer will undergo a fitness test on a groin injury.

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