NEWCASTLE United boss Bobby Robson yesterday marvelled at the mind game which is mystifying Premiership defences.

United duo Kieron Dyer and Nolberto Solano have demonstrated that the power of thought is a dangerous weapon.

Robson has labelled their uncanny understanding "a wonderful telepathy''.

The right-sided link up between England starlet Dyer and Peru skipper Solano has already bamboozled the rearguards of Derby and Tottenham, who both left St. James' Park empty-handed.

Robson said: "Kieron has got a great talent. He's bright on the ball and in his decision-making.

"He's clever in possession with Solano - they have a wonderful telepathy between them and we're reaping the rewards.''

It was winger Solano who set up Carl Cort for his home debut goal in the 3-2 win over Derby a week ago.

And the £7m striker, who limped off after little more than half an hour of the game with a hamstring tear, yesterday gave United a much-needed boost when he pencilled himself in for an ahead-of-schedule return at Coventry a week tonight.

Robson anticipated that the former Wimbledon frontman would be out for three weeks.

But Cort confirmed: "The last diagnosis was that the injury is only a ten-day job and I'd be very disappointed if I had to be ruled out against Coventry.

"I was bitterly disappointed not to face Spurs on Saturday after my dream start at St. James' Park.''

Midfielder Robert Lee, who picked up a calf injury in the opening defeat at Manchester United, should also be ready to return at Highfield Road.

Newcastle, meanwhile, continue to be linked with Cort's former Wimbledon teammate Jason Euell, who is rated at £5m and also understood to be a target for Spurs and Leicester.

l Newcastle striker David McMahon bagged a goal in each half last night as Bobby Robson's second string drew 2-2 with Manchester City.

McMahon struck in the 31st minute to cancel out the shock of United leaking a goal to Paul Dickov after only 20 seconds.

And McMahon gave the visitors a 57th minute advantage following good work by the impressive Andrew Griffin after Steve Harper had twice foiled City marksman Gareth Taylor.

James Coppinger should have put the game out of City's reach 15 minutes from time.

But faced with a one on one with Tommy Wright, Coppinger's shot was beaten away by the Northern Ireland international, who had a loan stint on Tyneside last season.

The home team, whose spectators included manager Joe Royle, chairman David Bernstein and ex-Middlesbrough boss Malcolm Allison, tied things up with just four minutes to go.

Chris Shuker, a lively substitute after replacing Scottish defender Paul Ritchie, crossed from the left and Taylor drove in the equaliser.

Newcastle: Harper, Charvet, Griffin, Hamilton, Brady, Caldwell, Kerr, McClen, Coppinger, McMahon (Amoebi 66), Serrant. Subs (not used): Grindlay, Boyd, McGuffie, Beharall.

l Keith Gillespie has become the second player to withdraw from Northern Ireland's squad for Saturday's opening World Cup qualifier against Malta.

Blackburn's former Newcastle winger has had to pull out of the Windsor Park clash with an ankle injury and joins Neil Lennon on the sidelines.

Northern Ireland boss Sammy McIlroy said: ''Keith Gillespie is out.

"He picked up an ankle injury playing against Rochdale last week and he would not be ready in time. Blackburn's doctor rang with the news, while Keith also rang me.'