ROBBIE ELLIOTT is to be handed his first chance to impress Glenn Roeder after Newcastle United were told to forget about trying to overturn Celestine Babayaro's suspension.

A Football Association disciplinary committee yesterday threw out Newcastle's attempts to quash the red card issued to Babayaro at Aston Villa last Saturday.

That means the Nigerian left-back misses two games - the first for the sending off at Villla Park and the second because he admitted a charge of violent conduct in November's defeat at Everton.

It is a blow to both Babayaro and caretaker boss Roeder, after the former Chelsea defender has turned in improved performances in his last two outings.

But Roeder has told Elliott to use this opportunity as a chance to shine.

The Tyneside-born defender has not started a game since the defeat at Fulham on January 14 but has been told he will play in tomorrow's FA Cup fifth round clash with Southampton and the visit of Charlton next Wednesday.

"It's a shame because Babayaro has been playing well in the two games I have had him for," said Roeder. "But Robbie will have an opportunity. He is a vastly experienced left-back, he's a Geordie and will get a chance."

Babayaro received his marching orders against Villa after referee Mike Riley adjudged him to have been the last man when he brought down Milan Baros, who was running away from goal.

Newcastle are trying to set up a deal that would see expensive flop Hugo Viana complete a permanent move to Valencia in the summer.

Viana, who cost £8.5m from Sporting Libson during Sir Bobby Robson's days in charge, has only made three starts in La Liga since his loan move last August.

But Newcastle are confident they can agree a cut-price £1.5m deal with Valencia just to erase his reputed £35,000 a week wages from their bill, as he has two years remaining on his existing deal.

There has also been a report in the Italian press that AC Milan are trying to take former Inter Milan star Emre back to Italy after just one year in the Premiership.

Meanwhile, Shay Given was last night named in the Republic of Ireland squad for the friendly with Sweden on March 1 when he is expected to be handed the captain's armband.

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