SPANISH defender Marcelino steps back into the Newcastle side against Bradford today, insisting: "I'm no mercenary.''

The injury-prone centre-back, who has started only 11 League games in 18 months at St James' Park since his £5m-plus arrival from Real Mallorca, was yesterday suffering more pain after being branded a malingerer by United fans.

"It hurts," said Marcelino, who is poised to make his first appearance since the season-opening defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford.

"All my problems have been injuries and I don't know what to do if people can't understand that," added the Ruud Gullit recruit.

Marcelino has recovered from hamstring trouble after being sidelined because of a torn tendon in his finger, which had to be strapped to his chest.

"People say an injured finger should not be enough to keep me out, but I was just following the advice of doctors,'' said Marcelino. "I've always tried to get fit as quickly as possible.

"I'm sad and disappointed about my record at this club. I have to accept it doesn't look good, but it is down to injuries and not my attitude.

"I'm jealous of my teammates when they are on the pitch and I'm sitting in the stands. That is the worst feeling in the world."

Marcelino's lengthy absences have fuelled doubts on Tyneside about the commitment of United's foreign imports.

But the 29-year-old maintained: "We are not mercenaries. We are not just here for the money.

"When I came to Newcastle, I was a highly-rated player in Spain and had played for my national team.

"I just wanted to have success in England with Newcastle, but I've had a lot of problems.

"We are proud to be players for Newcastle United. I respect this club and the fans and I want to show them what I can do."

Manager Bobby Robson knows there is a groundswell of opinion that Newcastle should concentrate on developing home-grown talent rather than splashing out on overseas players.

But yesterday he argued: "That's out of date. It's a different world now, but maybe it will change when the academies are up and running."

Marcelino is called up by Robson at the end of a difficult week for the United boss.

The 5-0 hammering at Arsenal was followed by controversy over comments from French defender Didier Domi.

United have won only one of their last five League matches and Robson said: "We are not stupid and we know we have to get results, but it's not all doom and gloom.

"We are tenth in the table and everybody said it was fantastic when we finished 11th last season. This is not a sinking ship.

"We are going through a difficult period and my job is to see us through it. The past week has not knocked me."

What has knocked Robson, however, is the recurrence of tendinitis which is again threatening to deny him the services of Alan Shearer.

The skipper is a major doubt for today's clash at St. James' Park, although he is back in training after a third injection in his problem knee.

Shearer faces the prospect of surgery and a lengthy lay-off if the condition persists.

Robson said: "Alan wants to play, but I won't risk him if he is less than 90 per cent fit.

"I will take the decision, not him. He's valuable and we have a lot ahead of us this season.