MICHAEL Bridges has received a glowing report from Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson as the loan-signing looks to kick-start his Newcastle career in this week's crunch UEFA Cup first leg clash with Marseille.

Bridges came on as a substitute early in second-half in the game against Aston Villa on Sunday - replacing hamstring victim Craig Bellamy - and the former Leeds striker is now in line for a starting role on Thursday.

Newcastle's injury crisis has ruled out Bellamy for the game against the French side, with both Shola Ameobi and Kieron Dyer - who has played up front this season - doubtful.

Jermained Jenas is also out with a torn thigh muscle, but it's in attack Newcastle have the real problems.

With Michael Chopra unlikely to start, it could come down to a straight choice between Bridges and Laurent Robert as to who will partner Alan Shearer in attack.

When quizzed on whether Robert, who was substituted after half an hour at Villa Park, could be utilised as a striker, Robson said: "Laurent can play up front - he's quick and he's done it before.

"I took Laurent off to keep him fresh for Thursday."

Robson would have no hesitation in starting with either player, and he was impressed with Bridges in his 40 minutes against Villa.

"Bridges did very well in an unrecognised position," said Robson.

"He stopped the full-back from breaking and he was nice in possession - he didn't lose it.

"He hasn't played much Premiership football for two or three seasons but he did well."

The North Shields-born 24-year-old has enjoyed a fitful beginning to his St James' Park career, starting only one game since his January move from Elland Road.

The former Sunderland forward signed a short-term contract at Newcastle until the end of the season, and is well aware that he is playing for a longer-term deal.

Bridges said: "I've maybe got an opportunity to play now against Marseille because of Craig's injury, but I don't pick the team.

"I've not played that much since I came here and I picked up a shin injury at a bad time, but this is a chance for me to prove I deserve a contract in the summer.

"I'm a free agent at the end of the season, but I want to stay at Newcastle, that's my main priority at the moment.

"Everybody knows that I'm desperate to stay here and there is perhaps an opportunity to prove that I have a part to play here.

"It is a massive game for the club and to be involved would be fantastic. They don't come much bigger than this. It's funny in football. You can go from having no injuries to have players dropping like flies."

Bridges, Lee Bowyer and Jonathan Woodgate, have already played in a UEFA Cup semi-final with Leeds United when they were beaten over two legs by Turkish side Galatasaray in April 2000. That experience may persuade Robson to start with the self-confessed Newcastle fan .

"I've only been here a few months, but the lads have been fantastic," said Bridges. "It is very similar to things at Leeds United, but this is even better because this is my home town club.

"I've played in a UEFA cup semi-final before and so have Lee and Jonathan. Hopefully our experience will help Newcastle this time."

l Craig Bellamy is refusing to rule out a swift return despite his hamstring tear.

Bellamy said: "I'll have a scan and it's just a case of waiting to see. But I'm a quick healer and I haven't written my season off.'

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