New Bellamy injury fears

The Welsh flyer complained of soreness in the joint earlier this week and would have been ruled out of The Magpies' Champions League tussle with Juventus had he not been suspended.

Toon chief Robson has spoken to leading American surgeon Richard Steadman, who operated on Bellamy's initial knee injury in the spring.

Bellamy was out of action from the end of February until his welcome first team return at the beginning of September.

The injury curtailed a magnificent maiden season at St James' Park and Robson is concerned the problem has flared up again.

"He's got a reaction to his tendinitis again," said Robson.

"And yet he's been going around saying his knee's been terrific and 'It's over' and 'It's great' and 'I don't feel it any more' - then he came in after Monday and complained about it.

"We've spoken to Mr Steadman about it and we're just going to let it settle for a couple of days and then see what it's like."