Sir Bobby Robson insisted Newcastle United are still on course for a place in next season's Champions' League despite being held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Leicester City at the Walkers Stadium yesterday.

Paul Dickov took advantage of some sloppy defending to fire the Foxes in front on 67 minutes, but substitute Darren Ambrose popped up with a last gasp leveller to save United's blushes.

The strike was the £1m signing from Ipswich Town's first Barclaycard Premiership goal, and came just in the nick of time to snatch a point for the Magpies.

Newcastle now go into tomorrow's game against Blackburn Rovers in sixth spot - two points behind fourth-placed Fulham.

"We're relieved to get the points at the end, because for a long time after they went ahead it looked like we were going to lose," said Sir Bobby.

"It was one of those games where neither side deserved to lose and probably neither side deserved to win. Both teams played from back to front. We struggled to get the ball on the deck and play our stuff and when we did manage that they defended well.

"We could say we've dropped two points, but a point is better than none and our record isn't bad at this moment in time.

"I think we've lost once in the last 12 League games and we're still fighting for fourth place.

"I've said before the teams in this League will all beat each other regardless of positions. But as long as we keep our good home record up and continue to pick up points here and there on the road, I'm confident we'll be okay."

After being forced into defensive changes at Charlton last weekend, Robson this week turned his attentions to attack with Shola Ameobi, Craig Bellamy and Carl Cort all sidelined. The Magpies' boss lost the option of moving Kieron Dyer up front when the midfielder pulled out with a stomach complaint on the eve of the game.

Lomana LuaLua got the nod to partner Alan Shearer in attack and, with Titus Bramble back from his suspension, Aaron Hughes returned to right back to accommodate the former Ipswich man in the heart of defence.

Nobby Solano was back on the right of midfield after his stint as full back last weekend.

Leicester included Magpies' old boys Les Ferdinand and Steve Howey, and it was the powerful striker's third minute flick that created the game's first opening - Shay Given quick off his line to thwart Paul Dickov.

Laurent Robert sent an angled volley whistling across the face of goal moments later when Solano swung a teasing ball in, then the enigmatic Frenchman was crowded out by blue shirts as he tried to capitalise on a mix up between Howey and Ricardo Scimeca.

Howey, who passed a fitness test just an hour before the game, was forced to come off with just 16 minutes gone after appearing to pull his hamstring. Substitute Matt Elliott was handed the task of shackling Shearer.

Chances in the first half were few and far between with both sides struggling against a blustery wind, though Given had to be quick to snatch a floating ball over the top from Muzzy Izzet that was destined for the head of Ferdinand.

Soon after the Newcastle goalkeeper required treatment - bravely throwing himself into a crowded six yard box after James Scowcroft had got on the end of Izzet's corner.

Robert then tried his luck from almost 50 yards with a free kick with England goalkeeper Ian Walker forced to palm over the effort.

Early in the second half the 3,000 travelling fans were almost cheering a goal - but Walker saved with his legs to deny Robert.

United looked far more threatening in the final third, but it was a mistake at the back that led to Leicester taking the lead.

Aaron Hughes and, to a lesser extent, Titus Bramble, both failed to deal with a high bouncing ball and Dickov reacted quickly to smash home a left-foot strike.

On 77 minutes Robert left team mate and close pal Bernard poleaxed when his clearance struck him on the head. There was a worrying moment as Bernard appeared to lose consciousness, but he was quickly back on his feet after some medical attention.

As the game edged closer to the 90th minute, the home fans in the record attendance, 32,158, for the Walkers Stadium were already celebrating what would have been a rare victory. But they had not reckoned on the impact Darren Ambrose was to have after replacing Hughes with five minutes left.

A good break from United saw Jenas fire a powerful drive from 12 yards and, when the ball looped up off goalkeeper Walker, Ambrose reacted quickly to nod home.