NEWCASTLE United boss Sir Bobby Robson last night wished Sunderland a swift return to the Premiership.

The Magpies' visit the Stadium of Light today intent on making it 13 successive top-flight defeats for their already-relegated rivals.

United desperately need a victory to revitalise their Champions League challenge after four games without a win.

But Robson admits he is relieved that the 124th League meeting between the sides hasn't turned out to be the game that sends Sunderland down.

Robson said: "I hope Sunderland get back into the Premiership next season, because I want to play against them.

"I sympathise with their position and I honestly want to see them back. If they don't come back straight away, it might be some time before we see a derby with them again.

"I'm glad tomorrow is not the game where they might go down, because we have to win.

"They're already down. We want to represent English football in the Champions League. That's what we're playing for.

"My job is to try to get three points and ensure a bit of hope for the Champions League.

"I'm surprised at Sunderland's decline when you consider where they were two years ago and the year before that.

"I've been very surprised at their number of consecutive defeats. It will turn sooner or later; preferably sooner, but not tomorrow.

"I understand that our fans will take some glee in Sunderland's position. If it was in reverse, it would be the same. I'm a football man and I like North-East football. It's great for the area, it's prestigious and people talk about all three big clubs.

"The rivalry between supporters is marvellous. The crescendo of derbies is marvellous; it gives the cities a buzz.''

Sunderland haven't beaten Newcastle on Wearside for 23 years - and Robson can't contemplate losing this time.

After his side lost 2-1 to Sunderland at St. James' Park two seasons ago, he admitted he felt "like jumping off the Tyne Bridge''.

But he insisted: "I'm not thinking about doing that this time - because I'm not thinking about defeat. It hasn't entered my head.

"It would be horrendous if we lost. In terms of its importance to us, it's as big as any game we've had this season. We're in for a tight, tense afternoon.

"But we're very capable of standing up to that. We have been to massive places this season on foreign soil and done very well and I expect the same at Sunderland.

"I can't see us being out-physiqued. We've got skill in the side, but enough competitiors to balance that out.

"Everybody would like to be in our position; it's big bucks in the Champions League.

"When we beat Feyenoord this season we knew what a financial boost it was. We're aware of what the last three games mean this season.''

Robson hailed Alan Shearer "Captain Courageous'' as his skipper prepared to lead the line with his head and hand heavily strapped.

Shearer, already nursing a fractured knuckle, had four stitches inserted in a head wound after Monday's 1-1 home draw with Aston Villa.

Robson said: "You saw his bravery. He hasn't headed any balls in training this week, but he will tomorrow.

"The cut is on the side of his head, so he'll get away with it. Captain Courageous is very important to us. He'll lead the team.''

Midfielder Jermaine Jenas, who has missed the last two games with a broken and dislocated finger, could be risked.

Jenas made his full debut for Newcastle in the 1-0 win on Wearside last season, and Robson said: "JJ was very young. We stuck him in, the water's deep, but you get your arms paddling and swim.

"He'd never played in such a tense game in his life.

"Who would have believed he would play for England a year later?

"We've had some bad luck, but he could be back. It might be a risk we have to take."

Robson also confirmed that Gary Speed will not after all need another hernia operation, but still sits out the rest of the season.

Robson explained: "He saw a top specialist and it is not a recurrence of his hernia. He has a torn muscle.

"We have missed him. He was having a massive season for us until he got injured. He loves the derbies as well.

"He's the most experienced player in the Premiership and that says it all.

"When JJ has gone in to replace him, he's learned. He's another header of the ball, which is important. JJ has done reasonably well and we've missed him as well. Those injuries, simultaneously, have cost us dearly.''

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