TRANSFER-listed Nikos Dabizas stands by for an unexpected Newcastle recall at Charlton today, with Sir Bobby Robson admitting his amazement that no club has agreed to revive the Greek defender's career.

Dabizas was made available after Robson told him the signings of Jonathan Woodgate and Titus Bramble meant he no longer figured in the manager's plans.

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp showed interest in Dabizas, but a deal failed to materialise and the centre-back has been left in limbo at St. James' Park.

His last senior start was in the 1-0 win at Tottenham almost 11 months ago.

But Robson stressed he would have no hesitation in calling on Dabizas this afternoon, with Woodgate out for a further two weeks with a hamstring injury, Bramble serving a one-match ban and Steve Caldwell short of fitness after a thigh strain.

Dabizas, who survived an horrific car crash in Greece in the summer, is only 30 and Robson declared: "I'm surprised he's still here, because he's still a fine player.

"He's a Premiership player and a great pro.

"He's behaved impeccably while he's been out of the side.

"He's a snip for someone. I can't understand why some club hasn't come in for him. He was offered to one or two clubs in the summer, but they didn't push the boat out for him.

"If you want a player, you have to go out and get him and not waffle on. We went out and got Woodgate.

"Clubs didn't do that with Dabizas.

"They dabbled, but they didn't buy him. We haven't forgotten him and if I have to play him at Charlton, it won't worry me for a second. He'd cost next to nothing - we're hardly looking for a fee.''

Dabizas is ready to partner Andy O'Brien at the heart of defence as Newcastle look to improve on a run of one defeat in their last ten Premiership games.

Robson confirmed: "Caldwell has had a thigh strain and has just returned to training, and we're without Woodgate and Bramble.

"O'Brien did well last weekend when he came on cold for Woodgate into a hot environment. For the money we paid for him, O'Brien has been one of our best signings. We got him on the cheap, we only paid Bradford £1m.

"He was a bit nervous when he first came here a couple of years or so ago, but he got over that. He came on last week and was determined because, at the time, we had a slender lead and he knew he couldn't make any mistakes. He had a fine match and I never worried about him.

"He's quick and matches people for pace. When we have a speedy striker against us, we always put Andy on him.''

Robson is an admirer of Charlton boss Alan Curbishley, who has steered the Addicks into the top half of the Premiership on a shoestring budget.

Curbishley is seen by some as a candidate to become England manager, a post Robson held for eight years from 1982.

"Like me when I was at Ipswich, he's never had any real money to spend,'' said Robson.

"He can't go out and spend £10m when he wants, so his judgement of players has to be sound and so has the youth policy there.

"But he's been given time and has a good board of directors who support him without pressure.

"He's done very well for the club. He was a more than half-decent player in his day and that can be a great help some times.

"He's possibly a future England manager - I wouldn't say yes or no. I think he'll be happy to learn the managerial ropes, how to get the best out of what is at his disposal, and carry on doing a first-class job.

"Charlton had a better start than we had and got ahead of us, but they've picked up only two points from the last 12 and we've inched above them.''

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given today makes his 250th appearance for the club.

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