NEWCASTLE United's French star Laurent Robert believes the Magpies possess the strength in depth to ensure qualification for next season's Champions League - despite the loss of their talismanic skipper Alan Shearer.

It was confirmed yesterday that Shearer has chipped a bone in his ankle, and he will not be back in action before pre-season training in July.

With Newcastle still needing four points from their last two games against Birmingham and West Brom, manager Sir Bobby Robson will hope the return of Robert in some way cushions the blow of Shearer's loss.

The winger is expected to return to full-training today, and be back in action for the home game against Birmingham City at the weekend.

"We had a great result on Saturday (at Sunderland), but the bad news comes with Alan Shearer," said Robert.

"He's the best striker at the club and he will be a big miss.

"He's certainly had his fair of injuries lately. His ankle on Saturday, his knuckle against Manchester United, and his head wound last week against Aston Villa.

"The ankle break is bad news for the club, but we have players of quality in his position in the squad and we should be able to cope with his absence."

Robert himself has recovered from the knee injury he sustained against Manchester United at St James Park, and his return is a much-needed boost as Sir Bobby Robson plots the final two chapters of another eventful season for the Magpies.

The Newcastle boss will give his enigmatic Frenchman as much time as he needs, with Robert saying he will wait until the last minute before deciding whether he is fit enough to face Steve Bruce's men.

"I have been aiming to return as quickly as possible, and I will start to work with the ball on Wednesday or Thursday.

"I will wait as long as possible before making a decision for the Birmingham match. It will be Friday before I know for definite."

Robert also had praise for Shay Given - who will win his 50th cap for the Republic of Ireland tonight - whom he saw as key to Saturday's win over arch-rivals Sunderland.

"Shay Given pulled off two super saves to keep the scores level before Nolberto Solano hit the winner from the penalty spot.

"Shay had a great match. Sunderland had many chances but Shay was unbeatable."

Meanwhile Given yesterday spoke of his pride at writing his name in the Magpies' history books by reaching his half-century of international caps at Landsdowne Road against Norway tonight.

At the moment Given shares the honour of the most caps as a Newcastle United player with full-back Alf McMichael, who won 40 with Northern Ireland.

When Given plays his 41st international tonight it makes him the club's most capped player.

"I'm very proud and its obviously an honour to be awarded 50 caps by your country," Given said.

"The fact that I have become Newcastle's most capped player is an extra special bonus.

"When you think some of the legends that have played for this club over the years, to be top of that list is fantastic."

l Reports from Portugal last night indicated that talks had re-opened between Benfica and Newcastle over the possible transfer of Simao.

United pulled out of the chase for the winger earlier this month after baulking at the Lisbon giants' £11m asking price. Simao, however, admits he would be interested in joining a major Premiership club, and said: "Newcastle are a good team and have always attracted me but I have to set down certain conditions."

l Sheffield United have one hand on the Nationwide First Division play-offs' poisoned chalice as Michael Brown fired a second-half brace to wrack up a stunning 20 goals for the season, writes MARK DAVIS.

Neil Warnock's side strengthened their grip on third place behind promoted Portsmouth and Leicester as they ran riot in the second half, with Bradford crashing to a fourth successive away defeat.

With United four points clear of Reading, who have a game in hand, the Blades seem destined to claim third, although just two teams have been promoted from the top play-off spot in its 13-season history. United's home form, though, is formidable for they have have taken 19 points from their last seven home matches.

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