NOLBERTO Solano is backing Sir Bobby Robson to ride out the early-season storm that has battered Newcastle.

It's hardly been Hurricane Isabel, but United have certainly been caught in a whirl.

Only two points from their first four games has left the Magpies mired in the Premiership's bottom three.

And their crushing failure to qualify for the Champions League proper has compounded Robson's problems.

Yesterday was the fourth anniversary of Robson's first home game as United manager, the 8-0 annihilation of Sheffield Wednesday.

Today, Robson would settle for a scrappy single-goal victory over Bolton to dispel suggestions that he is losing his grip at St. James' Park.

And winger Solano, set for a recall, has been quick to defend his under-fire boss. "He's done a great job with this team,'' declared Solano, who figured in that famous 8-0 romp in which Alan Shearer hit five goals.

"When the manager came here four years ago, we were very low, and look at the progress we've made. I think any manager is under pressure when they start to lose. But I think we'll turn things around when we start to win games - it'll be a different situation then.

"It's horrible to see Newcastle near the bottom, especially when big teams like Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are so far ahead of us. Last season we had a similar start, but finished well.

"Arsenal are top of the league at the moment, but they have been hammered for losing one game in Europe.

"It's a crucial week coming up for us. Hopefully we can win this weekend and against NAC Breda here in the UEFA Cup on Wednesday, then at Arsenal on Friday - why not? I saw Arsenal play against Inter Milan in the Champions League this week. Arsenal have great players, but we can beat them.''

Solano, who has caused Robson a few headaches over his long-haul stints with Peru, believes he is now back in favour.

And the 28-year-old is convinced that, in tandem with fellow winger Laurent Robert, he can provide the ammunition for skipper Shearer.

Controversial Frenchman Robert this week received a final, written warning from Robson over his constant criticism of the manager and his teammates.

But Solano said: "Laurent is a great player, one of the best we have at the club. Anything can happen with him; he has a fantastic left foot.

"Everybody knows now how Newcastle play and defences play a bit deeper. We are wingers and Alan needs the ball in the box because he's a great header of the ball. In training we always work on that.

"Craig Bellamy has been a very big miss when he's been out this season, because of his pace. We need somebody to break and get behind defenders. Hopefully he can stay fit.

"Sometimes, it's disappointing for me not to start games, but it's difficult for the manager when he has such a big squad.

"But I have the chance this weekend to prove to the manager that I want to play in the first team every week.

"I think things are all right between me and Bobby now. He understands the situation.

"It was difficult when I was returning from South America and taking two days to get back.''

* Former World Boxing Champion Roberto Duran will be a guest of Newcastle United tomorrow and will make an appearance on the pitch before kick-off.

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