SIR BOBBY ROBSON is trying to convince Craig Bellamy that he is fit to start Newcastle United's clash with Leicester City at St. James' Park this afternoon.

The Wales striker, who underwent career-saving knee surgery in the United States and only made his senior comeback a week ago as a substitute at Birmingham, is fighting shy of a starting role for fear of breaking down with a recurrence of the tendinitis that has plagued him in the past two years.

But manager Robson believes Bellamy is ready to return and yesterday hinted he could be considered as a left-wing stand-in for Laurent Robert, who is himself ruled out with a knee problem.

Bellamy, 24, has negotiated two 90-minute reserve-team outings as well as a 20-minute substitute appearance in last Saturday's 1-1 draw at St. Andrews since the second major knee operation of his Newcastle career.

Robson, set to range Shola Ameobi alongside skipper Alan Shearer in attack, said: "I just have to convince Craig that he is ready. We've had a long talk with him and we're still talking to him.

"I think he is ready, but you can understand him being that little bit cautious. He's had two serious operations, one on either knee, so he knows he has to look after himself.

"But he's had two reserve games and he came on against Birmingham, and the knee is fine - he's had no problems. He's got explosive pace back in his game.

"He has done very well for us from time to time when he has had to play wide - he hasn't rebelled against it, he's actually accepted it.

"With his pace, he can have a go at full-backs. I remember a game against Leeds when he finished up playing wide on the left and he did great for us.

"He wouldn't let Danny Mills get the other side of him and he stopped his runs. When Craig puts his mind to that, he can be very effective.

"He can play wide on the right or wide on the left; that's why he's very versatile useful.''

Robert has suffered a reaction after picking up his injury against Birmingham. Robson confirmed: "Laurent is out. He's had a setback so there's no point in trying to get him fit for this weekend. He has a bit of fluid on the knee, but we don't anticipate him being out long.''

Hugo Viana is vying for Robert's place, with midfielder Lee Bowyer back in the squad but still at least a week away from being ready for a first-team start after over two months out with a hip injury.

Ameobi hasn't started a game since fracturing a cheekbone in the goalless draw at Charlton five days before Christmas, but has proved his match fitness.

Tyneside-born striker Michael Bridges will be on the bench after arriving this week on a three-month loan from Leeds.

The 25-year-old former Sunderland star, like Shearer discovered by North-East super scout Jack Hixon, said: "I'm a Geordie lad and it's a dream move - I'm raring to go.

"I've had a few bad injuries in my time, but it's character-building. David Batty and Alan Shearer have had a lot of injuries and they've grown in stature and turned into better players, so I have to take a leaf out of their book.

"Jack Hixon has talked about me playing for Newcastle every day. It's going to be a great day for him and it's going to be fantastic for me to pull on the black and white shirt.

"Jack has played a massive part in my career - he gave me the chance to get started. I haven't got any grandparents, so I see Jack as part of the family. I'm pleased to give him something in return for everything he has done. He's a special man and you could listen to him all day.

"My ambition is to win a permanent deal here. The ball is in my court, I've been given the opportunity thanks to the manager and the chairman, Freddy Shepherd, and I just have to seize it.''

Robson said: "We knew Michael was on a Bosman this summer and we've kept an eye on him. He's let Leeds know he's not signing as new contract.

"We tried to get him during the transfer window and earlier on. Leeds changed their minds at the last minute.

"I was telling the truth after the Birmingham game when I said he wasn't coming because Leeds had said they weren't letting anyone else go.

"By Sunday afternoon, everything had changed. He's eligible for the UEFA Cup and he's been added to our list for the competition.''