CRAIG BELLAMY performed a dramatic U-turn last night when he agreed to head back to Newcastle today to avert a dressing-down from Sir Bobby Robson.

Bellamy, who played for Wales in their 4-0 mauling by Italy against the Newcastle manager's wishes, had again risked his wrath after initially refusing to make an immediate return to Tyneside to prepare for Saturday's crucial game at Everton.

The 24-year-old striker intended sticking with the Welsh squad for the Euro 2004 qualifier with Finland tomorrow, even though a booking against Italy in Milan on Saturday night had ruled him out of the Cardiff clash.

That would have meant Bellamy not rejoining Newcastle until Thursday afternoon, only 48 hours before the Everton match.

But Robson was keen to see Bellamy back at the earliest opportunity to assess the knee injury which led to him being at the centre of a bitter club-v-country row last week. The Magpies and the Welsh are shaping up for a legal fight after Newcastle's chief operating officer, Russell Cushing, became embroiled in a war of words over Wales boss Mark Hughes' decision to play Bellamy in the qualifier with Italy, even though he had been sidelined for more than a fortnight.

Physically at least, Bellamy came through the game unscathed. Nevertheless, Newcastle are anxious to check on his condition after sending him to see a Harley Street specialist - little over a week before Bellamy linked up with Wales - whose advice was that he should rest for a minimum of 14 days.

The Welsh angered Newcastle when they sought independent medical opinion, which was that Bellamy was fit to face the Azzurri. Cushing branded Hughes' actions as "disgraceful'' and the Welsh boss threatened legal proceedings after the Football Association of Wales received a solicitor's letter from Newcastle, warning they would claim compensation and damages if Bellamy aggravated his injury while on international duty.

Newcastle have additional injury worries over centre-back Jonathan Woodgate and goalkeeper Shay Given.

Woodgate was ruled out of the England squad for the games against Macedonia and Liechtenstein with a stubborn stomach muscle problem, which forced him to miss Newcastle's last two Premiership fixtures.

But Newcastle yesterday denied suggestions that the £9m defender has a hernia and could be facing surgery and six weeks out.

A St. James' Park spokesman said: "At the moment, we don't think Jonathan Woodgate has a hernia problem, even though he has been out of action a lot lately because of a stomach injury.''

Given is to undergo a scan on his injured knee today, but is expected to extend his run of 94 consecutive Premiership appearances.

The spokesman added: "Shay will have a scan on his knee, but we do not foresee any problem with regard to the match at the weekend.

''He came back with discomfort in his neck and knee, but the scan is purely precautionary.''

Given, already carrying the knee niggle, jarred his neck in the Republic of Ireland's 1-1 draw with Russia in Dublin on Saturday.

With second-choice Newcastle keeper Steve Harper out with a hamstring injury, Tony Caig is on stand-by in case Given suffers a setback. Owing to Newcastle's lack of cover in goal, Given was never expected to figure in the Republic's home friendly with Turkey tonight.

Meanwhile, West Ham caretaker boss Trevor Brooking has confirmed his club's interest in Newcastle's transfer-listed left-backs Robbie Elliott and Wayne Quinn.

Rufus Brevett is still out with a broken nose and Brooking admitted: "The Newcastle pair, Elliott and Quinn, I think we need because of Rufus's injury."

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