SIR BOBBY Robson added his support to the North-East's campaign for home rule last night when he called for Newcastle United to turn St James' Park into a Champions League fortress.

At a time when the region's senior political figures are discussing the possibility of devolved government, Robson told his players their three Group E games on their own ground will determine their European fate.

Newcastle were matched with Juventus, Feyenoord and Dinamo Kiev in yesterday's first round draw in Monaco.

The Magpies could easily have been landed a tougher set of fixtures, but nevertheless Robson knows they still face a real battle in trying to reach the second stage.

He said: "Juventus are one of the traditional powers of European football, and Feyenoord last year won the UEFA Cup and were arguably the surprise team in Europe.

"And no one is going to find it easy either going to Kiev, either.

"Having said that, though, none of those three clubs will find it easy coming to St James' Park.

"We must win at home. If we don't win at home, we may not survive for long."

While Newcastle have never met Juve in a competitive game, Feyenoord were their first opponents in Europe. The Magpies beat the Dutch side 4-2 on aggregate en route to lifting the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.

Newcastle played Kiev in their last Champions League foray, in 1997-98. United drew 2-2 in the Ukraine before winning 2-0 at St James' Park.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd said: "There isn't an easy game in the Champions League, and you are at the mercy of the draw and lady luck.

"But looking at some of the other groups, we could have had a much tougher draw, so I'm pleased at the way things have turned out.

"The three teams we will be facing are of an extremely high standard."

Newcastle must finish first or second in their group in order to progress to round two of the Champions League, which takes place either side of Christmas.

If they come third, they will enter the UEFA Cup; a fourth-placed finish would end their European participation for the season.

Juventus vice-president Roberto Bettaga, one of the greatest players in the history of the Italian game, is relishing his side's games with Newcastle.

He said: "I know Newcastle did very well for the first two-thirds of last season, then they had a few injuries and lost Craig Bellamy and Kieron Dyer.

"We know what Alan Shearer is all about and we're ready to face a very strong Newcastle team, especially in England. Alessandro Del Piero means to Juve what Shearer means to Newcastle: they mean tradition, goals and victories.

"But Newcastle shouldn't just be worried about Del Piero; we have many good players."

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