NEWCASTLE United's jubilant mood after their Champions' League qualifying victory in Bosnia was punctured yesterday by confirmation that they will be without six players for Monday's Premiership opener against West Ham.

Magpies manager Bobby Robson last night added centre-back Andy O'Brien to his casualty list.

The Republic of Ireland international is still suffering shin soreness and Robson admitted: "It's a little worrying."

"I want him fit because I like him and I want him in there competing with Titus Bramble and Nikos Dabizas.

"We have six senior players out, all first teamers, and we need to get them back."

The good news for Robson is that striker Craig Bellamy could be back in a fortnight after 16 weeks' rehabilitation following knee surgery for tendinitis at the end of last season.

And French winger Laurent Robert is also on the comeback trail and possibly within two weeks of a dramatic return from a stress fracture of the back that initially threatened to keep him out for three months.

Midfield duo Clarence Acuna (thigh) and Gary Speed (ankle) should be available for the visit to Kevin Keegan's Manchester City in a week's time, while striker Carl Cort could be fit by the end of the month.

"I'm hoping to have a full squad available by the start of September," said Robson.

Speed was a surprise absentee from the 1-0 Champions' League qualifying win over NK Zeljeznicar in Sarajevo on Wednesday after damaging his ankle in a training ground clash with Dabizas a week ago.

But Speed said: "I had a precautionary scan and I am feeling a lot better."

The return of Speed, fellow Welsh international Bellamy, and Robert would guarantee massive competition for places in the United squad.

But Bellamy's current replacement, Lomana LuaLua, is banking on the power of prayer to help keep him in Robson's plans.

The Democratic Republic of Congo striker revealed that his spiritual upbringing assisted him through the days when he looked nothing more than a bit-part player on Tyneside.

And he believes his faith will give him added strength as United prepare to launch their Premiership campaign.

LuaLua, 21, troubled the Bosnians with his pace in only his eighth start for the Geordies since he arrived from Colchester in a £2.25m deal two years ago - although he has made nearly 50 appearances as a substitute.

Now, for the first time, he is poised to start the season alongside skipper Alan Shearer and face the challenge from the club's other big guns when they are fit.

He said: "I come from a religious family and we are always praying and believing that things happen at the right time.

"It helped me when I couldn't get into the side and I honestly believed that the moment would arrive when I would be given my chance at Newcastle.

"Now I am relaxed and feeling really confident. I love it here."

United Coach John Carver said: "Lomana has done a really good job. He is learning and improving all the time."

l Newcastle defenders Nikos Dabizas and Aaron Hughes have put club before country as they prepare for Monday night's game.

The Greek international and his Northern Ireland teammate will remain on Tyneside instead of joining up with their colleagues for midweek friendlies after a gruelling few days.

Greece are due to face Romania on Wednesday evening as Northern Ireland take on Cyprus in Belfast.

The manager said: ''Nikos Dabizas has pulled out, he's been in touch with the coach, and Aaron Hughes has done the same.

''Sammy (McIlroy) has been very good to us.

"He's been in touch with me and he'll only use him if he gets a massive injury at the weekend.

"Shay will go, but that's all right, he's not running about for 90 minutes.'

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