SIR BOBBY ROBSON is tempted to risk striker Craig Bellamy as embattled Newcastle United desperately seek European salvation against Liverpool at Anfield.

A thigh injury to Shola Ameobi has forced manager Robson to consider pitching Bellamy into his first game for almost a month.

The Welsh international was expected to miss the rest of the season with a hamstring tear but, after midfielder Kieron Dyer's impressive return from a similar injury at Southampton on Wednesday night, Robson could gamble again.

Newcastle, whose dramatic 3-3 draw at St. Mary's put paid to their lingering hopes of overhauling fourth-placed Liverpool in the race for the Champions League, are now battling with Aston Villa for a UEFA Cup spot.

Villa, who host Manchester United, are a point ahead and Newcastle need a better result than David O'Leary's side this afternoon to ensure European football next season.

Robson, who also has doubts over left-back Olivier Bernard (groin) and midfielder Hugo Viana (back), said: "Shola has a nasty bruise on his thigh and has not trained since the last game.

"I can't tell you whether he, Olivier or Hugo are going to be fit. We have had so many games recently - twice as many as Liverpool - and we have just been beset by injuries at the worst time.

"I will be having a look at Craig and he is in my party. He is there for me to think seriously about. We have got something to play for and that is a huge incentive.

"His position is the same as Kieron's was earlier this week. He has not trained for two to three weeks, so we know that starting with him would be a risk. The question is whether it is a risk worth taking.

"We are not helped by the fact that Shola has his plugged thigh. I thought he played very well at Southampton, but we also have Michael Bridges available.

"On a positive note, Kieron is fine and has recovered well. He blew a gasket at Southampton, but I liked his performance and, most importantly, his hamstring stood up to the test.

"He lasted 70 minutes which is more than I thought he would until his fitness just died and he ran out of gasoline. He couldn't have played the whole match in any case.

"But his injury held up and that game will have done him the world of good.''

Robson, whose future is in doubt after a turbulent season, admitted: "Nothing is given for free, but a club like us needs to be in Europe.

"Where there is life there is hope. The mood in the squad is very positive. We know what is there for us and we will give it everything.''

Newcastle haven't won a League game at Anfield for ten years while Robson has never won there as a player or manager in over half a century in the game.

But the 71-year-old former England boss stressed: "I was out of the domestic game for nearly 20 years. I had eight years as England manager and nine abroad.

"Anfield is not the easiest arena to get a positive result, but the same is true of our ground, Arsenal's and Manchester United's. It has always been a bunker to crack open.

"But I know my record doesn't make for good reading. There are no gifts but why not change it now? Why not make a little bit of history?''

While speculation is rife about his position, Robson said: "I am absolutely fine. I know we haven't done as well as we should have done this season.

"We have just had so many things to contend with, on and off the pitch, but we have still managed to hover around the top as well as get to the semi-final of the UEFA Cup.

"We have to go for one more big push and attempt to end the season on a positive note. The club and the fans deserve that."

Read more about Newcastle United FC here.