NEWCASTLE UNITED could put their name forward for the much-maligned InterToto Cup if Graeme Souness' side fail to qualify for European competition this season.

With just 13 games remaining of the Premiership campaign, the chances of 12th placed Newcastle claiming a UEFA Cup spot again look slim.

Souness has refused to discount the possibility of enrolling the Magpies in the InterToto Cup - a pre-season competition that was dismissed by every English club last time around.

Fulham and Aston Villa were the last sides to enter two years ago and the former actually booked a place in the UEFA Cup via the highly criticised qualifying knock-out tournament.

In 2001 Newcastle, under Sir Bobby Robson, were beaten at the final hurdle by French side Troyes after victories over Belgian outfit Lokeren and Germans 1860 Munich.

Playing in it again would mean the Newcastle squad would have to return for pre-season training early - a situation that would be far from ideal for the players and coaching staff.

The supporters would also see the move as an embarrassment but Souness, who has until February 28 to decide on entry, is only focused on doing what is best for the club.

Newcastle are still in the FA Cup and the UEFA Cup this season so there is an outside possibility that European football could make a return to St James' Park even without playing in the InterToto.

And Souness, whose side prepare to play Charlton on Tyneside today, said: "I don't think we can rule out anything. I accept that it's very important for a club like this to be involved in Europe for all the reasons we've discussed. We'd have to look and consider every possibility. I don't know how the chairman (Freddy Shepherd) views it.

"There has been talk of an American summer tour. There are no definite plans yet.

"But what is important is that we win every game, it's a vital game against Charlton, they have a good away record. They're stubborn and dogged and capable of nicking a goal and shutting up shop. It's an important game, regardless of what's happened in recent weeks."

With Craig Bellamy shipped off to Celtic, Stephen Carr, Alan Shearer and Nicky Butt all available again after injury, Souness feels there are genuine reasons for optimism.

Jean-Alain Boumsong has also declared himself fit after a hamstring injury, although is unlikely to be risked just yet, and Newcastle are looking to close the gap between themselves and sixth place today.

Charlton are level with Middlesbrough and the Tyneside outfit are seven points adrift of the two clubs and 12 above a relegation place.

But Newcastle have lost just once in seven matches - and that was away to Arsenal - and Souness said: "Success for us is to finish as high as we possibly can after having a difficult season to date. We've still got a load of games left to make a good end to the season and we want to give our fans something to shout about by winning as many games as possible.

"It's a healthy situation at the moment. I'd be a fool to think we won't pick up any injuries before the end of the season, but I'd like to think we won't have players out for long spells for the rest of the campaign."

Souness admits that he has no preference for entertaining football.

"I'd rather get the points no matter how we get them. There'd be satisfaction in winning 4-3 or 1-0. I know what the supporters would rather have," he said.

"Nobody loves attacking football more than me. If you look at my track record I only know to play one way. We're not boring and miserable, the stats don't back that up. We're sixth top scorers but we're still conceding goals."

Newcastle have been boosted by the goalscoring return to action of skipper Shearer, who has scored two in his three games since making his comeback.

The 34-year-old scored his 250th Premiership goal at Manchester City in midweek and is just 14 short of Jackie Milburn's club record of 200 ahead of this afternoon's match.

Shearer is due to retire at the end of the season and Souness said: "For Alan to change his mind or for us to convince him to play next year will depend on having a good last three months of the season.

"If he has a good three months and scores goals and enjoys himself that will help our cause.

"You can't replace him, he's irreplaceable, with his style of play is the hardest style, he meets every challenge head on and doesn't duck anything; he gets bashed about by men generally bigger than him and comes back for more. You don't replace that, you find other types of player."

Meanwhile, Souness revealed that midfielder Butt will not be available to play for England against Holland on Wednesday.

The former Manchester United man was used as a second half substitute at City but is unlikely to start today.

And Souness said: "Nicky's got no chance to be involved with England.

"We had Nicky on the bench to give him a lift going home, we threw him on but I think he'll be the first to tell you he needs some hard work over the next few weeks."

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