OLIVIER Bernard expects compatriot Charles N'Zogbia to follow in his footsteps by shrugging off the red tape controversy that has dogged the start of his Newcastle United career, writes SCOTT WILSON.

N'Zogbia made his first appearance for the club in Tuesday night's reserve-team defeat at Wolves, despite moving to Tyneside almost a month ago.

Newcastle moved quickly to sign the 18-year-old after he impressed in a brief trial, but French club Le Havre insisted that the youngster was contracted to them and refused to release his registration.

N'Zogbia was left in limbo as the two clubs failed to reach an agreement, but his future was finally settled earlier this week when FIFA ruled in United's favour and sanctioned his move over the Channel.

Bernard was able to sympathise with the youngster's plight as he went through an identical wrangle with former club Lyon when he moved to England in August 2000.

But, after emerging as a stronger personality because of his contractual problems, the left-back is confident N'Zogbia will also be a more determined character after his enforced lay-off.

"He's just had to wait and be patient," said Bernard, who has been an ever-present in the United backline this season. "But I told him what was going to happen and he always said 'I can handle that'.

"He's been in exactly the same position I was in when I first came to Newcastle.

"The French club didn't want to give him the registration and that's what happened with me as well.

"It hasn't been easy for him but it's sorted now, he's happy to be in Newcastle and that's the most important thing."

A goal from former Magpie Carl Cort helped to ensure N'Zogbia made a losing start to his Newcastle career, but the versatile left-footer showed enough at Molineux to suggest he could be knocking on the first-team door before too long.

"He's got some talent," agreed Bernard. "He's a left footer, he's strong, and technically he's very good. He's still young, but I'm sure he can make a big improvement here."

Bernard was similarly raw when he first crossed the Channel, but a loan spell at Darlington helped to introduce him to the English game and he has since developed into one of United's most consistent performers.

His impressive displays towards the end of last season earned him a call-up into Raymond Domenech's provisional French squad and, while he failed to make the final cut ahead of this week's two World Cup qualifiers, his chances were enhanced by two poor displays from Les Bleus.

Monaco's Gael Givet filled the left-back berth on each occasion as France struggled to a goalless home draw with Israel and stuttered to an unconvincing 2-0 win in the Faroe Islands.

"I'm pleased I made the first provisional squad for France and I think the coach will give everyone a fair chance," said Bernard.

"(Bixente) Lizarazu has retired and the coach is trying to build a new team at the moment. He has tried a few different players in the first couple of months and I think he'll continue to do that for a while.

"I just have to give 100 per cent every game and, if I deserve to get the call, I'm sure it will come."

Newcastle's other Frenchman, Laurent Robert, is also on the fringe of the French squad but, after a poor start to the season, his position on United's left flank is likely to come under intense scrutiny from new boss Graeme Souness.

Robert was a firm favourite of Sir Bobby Robson, with the former Newcastle manager standing by the enigmatic winger in the face of sustained criticism.

Souness is unlikely to be as accommodating, but the former Paris St Germain midfielder is happy with the appointment of the supposed hardliner.

"Everyone I have spoken to says only good things about him," said Robert. "I am sure he will come in and do a fantastic job.

"The players will all be right behind him because all we want at the club is success. We all care passionately about that.

"We want the fans to enjoy winning trophies and we know when we play to our best we are a match for any side in the country and, for that matter, any side in Europe."

l Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has revealed that he came close to being appointed Newcastle manager instead of Souness.

Allardyce was one of a number of managers considered by the United board and, while he was never officially offered the job, he feels it could have been his had he acted differently last week.

"If I'd pushed it hard or walked out, I might have got it," said Allardyce.

"I don't know whether I've made the right decision - only time will tell