NEWCASTLE UNITED'S Laurent Robert is convinced Champions League rivals Liverpool have not gained the psychological edge in the race to qualify for Europe's premier competition.

The Frenchman's blistering free-kick - his 11th goal of the season - was not enough to send the Magpies through to the last 16 of the FA Cup on Saturday evening at Anfield.

Liverpool's 2-1 victory has led many pundits to suggest the Reds will now be in the better frame of mind in the battle to finish fourth in the Premiership.

Despite the good form of Charlton, who currently sit behind the top three, Newcastle and Liverpool are still considered to be the top two contenders for the highly-coveted final Champions League place.

They go head-to-head at Anfield on the final day of the season in what could turn out to be a Champions League decider.

But Robert, deflated having failed to stop Sir Bobby Robson's men from slipping to an early FA Cup exit, wants Newcastle to respond in the right manner - by focusing on fourth spot and success in this season's UEFA Cup.

"We are very disappointed but now we have to make sure we start winning again at the weekend and keep going for fourth place to get into the Champions League," said the former Paris St Germain man.

"Liverpool will challenge for fourth place as well, but I don't think the result on Saturday will make too much difference about that. There are a lot of games to go until the end of the season.

"We're upset about the FA Cup, but we have to go for fourth place and also the UEFA Cup, so this season is not over yet for us. There is plenty to play for."

Meanwhile, sources in Brazil were last night suggesting Newcastle are set to sign Brazilian international Ricardinho.

Despite Robson insisting he is not looking to bolster his midfield ranks, there have been numerous reports in South America indicating the player was expected to arrive on Tyneside for a medical this week.

Ricardinho is also wanted by Portuguese giants Benfica but Newcastle are thought to be favourites for his signature provided he can clarify who his agent is.

Both Jorge Gama and Daniel Giovannin have made contact with St. James' Park but it is the latter who claims he should be the one to trust.

Giovannin said: "This business will be concluded once Newcastle are certain about who is really representing Ricardinho."

The news of Robson's interest in the Brazilian follows his withdrawal from the race to sign Manchester United's transfer-listed middle-man Nicky Butt.

Read more about Newcastle United FC here.