LAURENT Robert has handed Newcastle United a boost after a scan on his injured knee revealed no serious damage to the joint.

The French winger will start light training again today, and even has hopes of being fit to face Leicester at St James' Park on Saturday.

The injury flared up after the game at Birmingham City and initial concerns were that Robert was facing an extended period on the sidelines.

But following a scan, doctors have assured the Frenchman the damage is not as bad as first thought.

Robert said: "It wasn't the result of a bad challenge - there was nothing malicious in the game.

"I must have taken a blow on the knee during the match, but I didn't realise anything was wrong.

"On the flight back to Newcastle after the game my knee began to swell up - it must have been due to the pressure.

"It was horrible and I was worried, but I have been reassured by the doctors.

"I will test out the knee by cycling. If there is no reaction and no swelling then I will start running again.

"I am still hoping to be fit for Saturday's game."

Robert also revealed his thoughts on the team's recent dip in form that has seen the Magpies dumped out of the FA Cup at Liverpool and deliver a below-par performance at Birmingham.

Robert said: "The result (at Birmingham) was disappointing after being ahead for so long, and it became even more disappointing when we found out Charlton had been beaten and Liverpool could only draw.

"Our football hasn't been very fluid over the last two games and I hope we can find that fluidity on Saturday.

"We need the three points (against Leicester) - absolutely."

Meanwhile, loan signing Michael Bridges is using his new teammate Alan Shearer as his inspiration in his bid to end an injury nightmare.

Bridges headed to Tyneside in a three-month loan from Leeds and is targeting a permanent deal at the end of the season.

The 25-year-old former Sunderland striker was hit by a series of ankle problems at Elland Road and, after a promising start, failed to establish a place in the first team on his return to full fitness this season.

Bridges, who revealed he will not be returning to Elland Road, said: "I felt I'd been a bit stale at Leeds and I'd been banging on the door to get out on loan.

"My contract is up in the summer and I wasn't offered a new deal. So whatever happens I won't be going back there.

"My aim now is to do all I can in my three months at Newcastle to earn a longer deal at the club."

Bridges, a lifelong Newcastle fan, has struggled to overcome injuries over the past three seasons, but insisted retirement never crossed his mind.

He said: ''It is hard when you are in the gym every day but there was never any chance of me packing it in however hard it got.

''I spoke to Alan (Shearer) a few times and when you look back at the injuries he has come back from, it's something of an inspiration.''

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