NEWCASTLE chairman Freddy Shepherd believes David Beckham's departure from Manchester United spells the end for the Premiership champions' commercial monopoly in the Far East.

Shepherd leads the Magpies to Malaysia tomorrow on a mission to muscle in on a market the Red Devils dominated with the help of England captain Beckham's global appeal.

Newcastle join Chelsea, Birmingham and the Malaysian national team to compete in the inaugural Premier League Asia Cup.

After Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich's £150m takeover at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea too are ready to seize the opportunity to raise their profile on the other side of the world.

But Shepherd is convinced that Newcastle, in time, can attract a Far East fan club to match any of their Premiership rivals.

The Magpies' supremo declared: "We're going out there to win the competition. Everyone is talking about the 'new' Chelsea at the moment, while Birmingham and the Malaysians will also want to do well.

"It's an honour for the club to be taking part and it will be a real test for the players. It's good to play in competitive games before the start of a new season.

"When we played in the Intertoto Cup a couple of years ago, we started the season well and I'm sure the Asia Cup will sharpen the players in the same way.

"It's also a good commercial opportunity for us. Playing in the Far East gives us an ideal opportunity to increase awareness of Newcastle United.

"Football is massive out there and we hope to see a lot of the fans in Kuala Lumpur wearing our new shirts.

"Man. United are still some way ahead of us in terms of promoting their brand in the Far East.

"But after the Beckham era, there's a good chance for the rest of us to start to chase them and that's what we're aiming to do."

Newcastle, who face Steve Bruce's Birmingham on Thursday, are taking a 22-man squad which includes new signing Lee Bowyer and Jonathan Woodgate.

Midfielder Bowyer is likely to make his debut against Birmingham, while Sir Bobby Robson refuses to rule out Woodgate, even though the £9m centre-back has picked up a thigh strain.

Manager Robson said: "Woody is making excellent progress from what was really just a minor injury.

"He was always going on the trip with us and while we don't have to risk him, he has a chance of being fit for the Birmingham game.''

Striker Carl Cort will also be on the flight that leaves Heathrow tomorrow morning.

Robson has thrown the gauntlet down to Cort, whose three years on Tyneside since his £7m move from Wimbledon have been plagued by injuries.

"I've had a word with the lad and told him it is time he gave the club something in return,'' said Robson.

"He is fully aware of his record here and understands the situation. To be fair, he is quite embarrassed about what has happened to him as far as injuries are concerned.

"He has to try to remember that he has not lost his ability. If anything, he should be a better player now."

Robson has ordered Congo striker Lomana LuaLua to stay behind and rest following his African Nations Cup qualifying exertions.

Newcastle squad: Given, Harper, Hughes, Griffin, O'Brien, Woodgate, Bernard, Bramble, S. Caldwell, Bowyer, Jenas, Solano, Speed, Viana, Ambrose, Dyer, Bellamy, Ameobi, Robert, Shearer, Cort, Chopra.

l Transfer-listed quartet Clarence Acuna, Robbie Elliott, Wayne Quinn and Jamie McClen will play for Newcastle Reserves at Berwick today (3.00). Brian Kerr is also included.

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