SIR Bobby Robson last night revealed he is considering dramatically recalling both Lomana LuaLua and Stephen Caldwell to help revive Newcastle's faltering Champions League push.

LuaLua has scored four goals in just seven starts since joining Portsmouth on loan - including a last-minute equaliser against the Magpies in late February.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp had been loath to lose the livewire striker with his side's future still up in the air but, with Saturday's 1-1 draw against Fulham ensuring Portsmouth's Premiership safety, he would not prevent LuaLua returning north.

Newcastle's midfield crisis was all too apparent in the latter stages of their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City as Robson was forced to hand a first league appearance to teenager Martin Brittain when Laurent Robert hobbled from the fray.

Robert's injury is unlikely to keep him out of Thursday night's crucial UEFA Cup semi-final second leg in Marseille but, with Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer and Jermaine Jenas all unlikely to play again this season, United remain dreadfully short of numbers in the middle of the park.

Newcastle also face a centre-half headache with Jonathan Woodgate ruled out for two months and Andy O'Brien forced to sit out the next two Premiership games following his dismissal at Aston Villa.

Recalling LuaLua and Caldwell would be one way of easing the problem, and Robson has admitted he will be looking at every option open to him before flying out to France later this week.

"We didn't expect the injuries and we've had some cruel luck," said Robson. "I'll see about recalling LuaLua and Caldwell.

"All three parties have to agree. The players must want to come back, the other club will have to want to let them go, and we will have to want them back here.

"We'll have to have a good look at the situation and decide what's going to be best for us."

Saturday's defeat was compounded by wins for both Liverpool and Aston Villa yesterday that saw Newcastle drop to sixth place in the table.

Robson's side still have a game in hand on their two rivals for a Champions League spot but, with Liverpool now three points and three goals ahead of the Magpies, time is rapidly running out.

A win at home to Wolves is a must but, if even if United were to follow that with victory at Southampton, they would still almost certainly need to win at Liverpool to finish in fourth.

"It's nip and tuck and you don't need to be an expert to see that it's going to go down to the last game," admitted Robson.

"Going to Liverpool in the last match of the season having to win is a difficult task. I'm not saying it's impossible, but you don't want to be in a position where you've got to do that."

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