NEWCASTLE boss Sir Bobby Robson has admitted he is prepared to live dangerously and tolerate Laurent Robert's frailties to utilise the Frenchman's match-winning potential.

Robson looked on in horror as the winger scandalously squandered possession inside his own half and almost cost his side the game against Marseille in Thursday's goalless UEFA Cup semi-final first leg at St. James' Park.

Luckily for the Magpies, Didier Drogba's volley from the resulting pass hit a post and rebounded to safety.

But Robert's alarming laxity could have dealt a crushing blow to Newcastle's hopes of winning their first major trophy since they lifted the Fairs Cup in 1969.

Robson, who says Robert has given him more grief than any other player in over 35 years in management, has already dubbed him "Jekyll and Hyde''.

But he is willing to take the rough with the smooth as United seek silverware and a fourth-place Premiership finish.

"I know what happened, but I also know that one good cross or one good set-play and he could win us the match,'' said Robson.

"We know, in his own department, he can put in a beautiful cross on the spot from corners and free-kicks, so you have to put up with him.

"That's why I had black hair when I came here and now it's white! It's the good and the bad with him.

"We know he nearly lost us the match, but he's a match-winner and you have to live with match-winners because sometimes they don't win every match.''

The Magpies could as good as decide the destiny of the title tomorrow when they entertain Chelsea, who are currently in second place.

If Manchester United fail to beat Liverpool today at Old Trafford, a Newcastle victory would effectively hand the championship to Arsenal minutes before the leaders kick-off against North London rivals Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Robson's only concern is winning the neck-and-neck race with Liverpool for fourth spot and a return to the Champions League next season, but he has come out in support of under-fire Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri ahead of tomorrow's showdown.

Tinkerman Ranieri has been condemned for the second-half changes he made before Chelsea crashed to a 3-1 defeat against ten-man Monaco in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg.

But Robson has saluted the Italian's bravery for bringing on Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as one of three forwards in a bid to win the game when the score was 1-1 and Monaco had seen Andreas Zikos sent off.

"I think he made a bold change,'' insisted Robson. "Ranieri went to win the game and you can't be blamed for that.

"The decision to change the team at the time was a good one. Everyone is clever in hindsight, but I am sure most people looked at what he did and thought: 'Wow, that's clever.' I'm supportive of Ranieri. Overall, I think he's learned the language and come to terms with English football.

"He's done a good job, but he's obviously under pressure because of the Monaco result.

"We think we have a chance in the second leg in Marseille and he will think there's a possibility of Chelsea beating Monaco 2-0 at Stamford Bridge - and I think it's a possibility.

"Chelsea have had a blip or two, and that will make our match with them even more difficult.

"But it will be difficult for Chelsea as well because our spirits are high. We can't finish third, but we can finish fourth and that's all I'm thinking about.''

Newcastle centre-back Jonathan Woodgate revealed that Robson had told his players to be "greedy'' in their twin pursuit.

"The manager says be greedy and lets do both - get fourth place and get to the UEFA Cup final,'' said Woodgate.

"The ambitions here are high. We want to win the UEFA Cup and finish fourth.

"That is the task we have set ourselves. We need to win the UEFA Cup - it would be a massive disappointment if we didn't.''

Meanwhile, Robson is playing patience with another of his stars after Hugo Viana's indifferent display against Marseille.

Robson, who signed the Portuguese midfielder from Sporting Lisbon two years ago for £8.5m, insisted: "Viana can produce. He hasn't been given the opportunity, that's all, because he hasn't been in the side.

"He did very well the other night in my opinion. He made a bit of a timid, nervous start, but imagine if I'd listened to what everyone was telling me earlier this season. They said: 'Oh, let the boy go home.' Where would we have been without him against Marseille with all our injuries?

"I was right not to let him go. We paid a lot of money for him and he stays.

"I have always said to him: 'Hugo, I don't care if you don't play until the last match of the season at Liverpool. If you play in that game and we get three points, that's all I require of you'."

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