Understudy Steve Harper is on stand-by for Newcastle United's Champions League clash with Inter Milan after goal keeper Shay Given dislocated a finger in training.

Given is confident of being fit for the visit to the San Siro, where the Magpies must avoid defeat to have any hope of progressing to the last eight.

But Harper, who took Given's place for the first group phase victories over Juventus and Dynamo Kiev at St James' Park after the Republic of Ireland International suffered a loss of form, is ready to seize his chance again if his friendly rival fails to make it.

Given yesterday insisted: "I took a kick in training on Friday and felt the finger pop. It's still a bit swollen but I should be OK. I've played with a dislocated finger before."

Milan is preparing itself for a Toon Army invasion as the second group stage moves towards a climax.

Newcastle are expected to have the backing of 12,000 fans for a game they realistically need to win if they are to prolong a memorable European journey.

The following will be one of the biggest ever for a British club in Europe.

And United manager Sir Bobby Robson maintains his side are better-equipped for the challenge than they were on their previous visit to Italy last Autumn, when they lost 2-0 to Juventus.

Robson said: "Our team is better now - we are less naive. We have learned some painful lessons and we know the importance of this game. We can cope better with everything that surrounds a game like this.

"Our younger players are that little bit more advanced for having gone to Kiev, Turin and Barcelona, and won away to Feyenoord and Leverkusen.

"It all adds to a wealth of experience, confidence and knowledge."

Robson added: "If we lose we are out. We need a win or a draw, preferably in that order. A win would keep it alive."

United welcome back striker Craig Bellamy from his second three-match UEFA suspension this season.

The Welsh firebrand, banned in the first group phase for head-butting Kiev's Tiberiu Ghioane, received further punishment after being sent off for lashing out at Inter's former Everton defender Marco Materazzi in the opening minutes of United's 4-1 defeat on Tyneside last November.

That game also witnessed an incident between Alan Shearer and Fabio Cannavaro which led to the United skipper later being found guilty of violent conduct and suspended for two matches.

While Robson has no doubt that Shearer has learned a harsh lesson, he has gone out of his way to urge Bellamy to curb his temper and not yield to any further provocation.

Robson revealed: "We had words with Craig when he was suspended last time about biting his lip and counting to ten.

"He plays international football as well so he should be learning from that.

"He should be able to deal with this sort of thing, the intimidation that takes place sometimes. You have to learn that red cards are for mugs."

Read more about Newcastle United FC here.