SIR BOBBY ROBSON is backing his youngest-ever side to clinch Newcastle United's place in the Champions League.

With thirtysomethings Alan Shearer and Gary Speed ruled out through injury for the rest of the season, Robson is relying on his rookies to complete the job in their final two games.

The average age of the team that faces Birmingham City at St. James' Park this afternoon is likely to be around 23.

Winger Nolberto Solano, 28, will be the oldest head, but - in the absence of Shearer - the skipper's armband goes to 24-year-old Kieron Dyer.

As things stand, Robson's side need four points for Champions League qualification.

But if third-placed Newcastle win today and either Chelsea or Liverpool - both a point behind - only draw, the Magpies' return to Europe's premier club competition will be confirmed.

And Robson has every confidence in his fledglings, insisting: "I won't be worried at kick-off. They are a young side, but not an inexperienced one.

"It'll be one of the youngest sides in this club's history; I had some good young players in my days at Ipswich, but I've never sent out a side this young. I had youngsters at Ipswich, but not in this category.

"We're missing two old heads in Shearer and Speed. Dyer will be captain - he's possibly a future captain of the club. He responds to the responsibility and he likes it.''

Robson will be forced to count on the kids again for what could be a crucial last-day trip to relegated West Brom a week tomorrow, when Chelsea and Liverpool meet at Stamford Bridge.

But the United boss maintains that even if his men finish outside the Premiership's top four and have to make do with a UEFA Cup spot, it won't threaten a doomsday scenario on Tyneside.

The dramatic decline of Leeds, Champions League semi-finalists two years ago, is a lesson to every major club.

But Robson insisted: "It wouldn't bankrupt us if we didn't make it. It's been a meteoric rise and having got there, we want to stay there.

"It would hurt us, but it wouldn't break the club. To go from bottom to the top end of the table in three years is mammoth.

"I think the club is in good shape - we've got some great kids here.''

Robson is standing by Titus Bramble, despite dropping him from the squad for last week's derby victory at Sunderland.

The 21-year-old centre-back was at fault when he allowed Dion Dublin to escape him and head in Aston Villa's equaliser at St. James' on Easter Monday.

But Robson, who signed the England Under-21 international from Ipswich last summer for £6m, stressed: "We're still very happy with Titus.

"We think he's going to be quite fantastic. He's been guilty of losing concentration in a vital situation - but that's the pressure defenders are under.

"Titus is a powerhouse - he's a colossus and I'm backing my judgement on him.''

Robson, however, has not discounted a "short-term'' signing this summer to bolster his resources.

"I nearly bought short-term in the January sales,'' he said.

"I had two centre-halves on the tips of my fingers, but I persuaded my chairman, Freddy Shepherd, to wait for Jonathan Woodgate at Leeds and in the end we got the man we wanted.

"It would depend on circumstances, but I would buy short-term - I think the short-term is crucial.''

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce lured Christophe Dugarry on a short-term deal this season - and the Blues have reaped the benefits.

The French striker was the catalyst as they pulled clear of relegation trouble and into mid-table respectability.

Robson, who has denied he is interested in signing Dugarry himself, said: "The short-term was crucial to Steve and Dugarry has proved that.''

Olivier Bernard could play today after Robson named him in his squad.

The Frenchman was arrested and questioned by police about an alleged incident this week.

But Robson confirmed: "Olivier is in the squad. I have spoken to him and he is ready to play.

"I'll make a selection on what is best for the club.

"We left him out last week to rest him because we knew Andy Griffin was suspended for this weekend. My intention is to use Olivier - the boy is fine.''

With Shearer out, Shola Ameobi partners Craig Bellamy in attack. Robson said: "Shola has been champing at the bit.

"He's been very patient and when he's come in this season, he's done very well for us.''

French winger Laurent Robert is back in the squad after three weeks out with knee ligament trouble, and Robson said last night: "He's fit, which is a bonus to us, but we have to think about it tomorrow.''

Centre-back Andy O'Brien, sidelined after breaking his nose against Sunderland, will undergo surgery the day after the season ends.

But Robson refuses to rule him out of the West Brom game.

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