NEWCASTLE United boss Sir Bobby Robson has told Lee Bowyer he can end a season of torment with a glorious flourish.

Bowyer is poised to step back on to the European stage tonight when United face Olympique Marseille in their UEFA Cup semi-final first leg at St. James' Park.

The midfielder is free at last from a controversial UEFA ban, which was doubled to 12 matches after an administrative mix-up over his registration.

Bowyer's first season on Tyneside has also been blighted by injuries and indifferent form.

And the injury spectre is threatening to rise again at the most inopportune time.

Robson, faced with a crippling casualty list that includes striker Craig Bellamy and midfielders Kieron Dyer and Jermaine Jenas, is praying Bowyer shakes off the hamstring niggle he picked up in Sunday's goalless draw at Aston Villa, where he produced arguably his best performance in a black and white shirt since his arrival last summer on a free transfer.

And the Magpies' manager, also chasing a fourth-place finish in the Premiership and qualification for the Champions League, has given Bowyer every incentive to win his fitness battle by spelling out how important he can still be to his side this season.

Robson, likely to pair on-loan Michael Bridges with skipper Alan Shearer in attack, said: "I was encouraged by the performances of Lee and Michael on Sunday and I am sure they can give a repeat. I have confidence in their ability.

"Bowyer could make a contribution at a vital time in the season. With the injuries we have in midfield, Hugo Viana could do that as well. There is time for those two to be very important to this club.''

Robson insists he will have to wait until "the last minute'' before naming his side tonight.

Bellamy (hamstring) and Jenas (thigh) are sidelined and Robson is adamant he will take no risks with Dyer.

Bowyer is tipped to start, but striker Shola Ameobi and centre-back Titus Bramble are also struggling, and Robson said: "I can't hide the fact we have several doubts. I have to wait until the last minute to announce the team.

"We had a very unfortunate day on Sunday and with Shola and Bramble not fit, picking up three more injuries is unlucky. We have had some rotten luck.

"As regards Dyer, it will come down to whether he is 100 per cent fit or not. We have seven games in 24 days and every one is important, and I will not play people who are not fit because, if I do that, they will be worse than when they started. That would be lunacy.

"Dyer played on Sunday, but has a slight hamstring problem. Shola and Bramble didn't play, Bowyer finished the game but was slightly impaired and he has not been able to train as I would have liked.

"But whatever side I put out will fight and have spirit, which is a big commodity.''

Such is the paucity in Robson's frontline resources that he revealed he had approached Portsmouth to explore the possibility of recalling Lomana LuaLua from his Fratton Park loan. He said: "We did make contact, but at the moment it is in a stalemate position.''

Robson, who also confirmed he solicited a rundown on Marseille from rivals Liverpool - knocked out by the French giants in round four - is refusing to place any priority on his side's twin targets.

He said: "Top four or UEFA Cup? I'm not choosing. I just choose the team. I cannot separate my ambition.

"But the semi-final means a great deal, it is something for which the club has been striving for years. We are on the brink, but the next step is the most difficult.

"We know what it means to everybody here.

"If you want a cauldron of intimidation, then go to Marseille.

"But this is our turn and we hope the fans will get behind the team as they have done recently.''

Robson has called on centre-back Jonathan Woodgate to maintain his imperious form against the threat of Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba, the second top scorer in France this season with 19 goals.

"Jonathan has had some hiccups with injuries, but he is in a very good seam and we need a compelling performance from him,'' said Robson.

"Drogba is a tough opponent. He's tall, strong and mobile. We need a strong performance from Jonathan, all the back-four and Shay Given, who has been in fine form all season.''

Shearer said: "Jonathan has made a big difference, because he's a top-drawer player. With him in our side, we're a much better unit. He's a class act. If he isn't the best around, he's certainly one of the two.''

United keeper Given makes his 300th club career appearance.

Newcastle (possible): Given; Hughes, O'Brien, Woodgate, Bernard; Ambrose, Bowyer, Speed, Robert; Bridges, Shearer.

Marseille (probable): Barthez; Ferreira, Meite, Beye, Hemdani; Santos, Batlles, Flamini, N'Diaye, Meriem; Drogba.

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