NEWCASTLE United were last night on collision course with UEFA Cup opponents Valerenga after the Norwegians asked European football's governing body to consider the possibility of playing February's third-round tie indoors on an artificial pitch.

Valerenga have confirmed they want to face Newcastle in Oslo, despite the threat of heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures making conditions at their Ullevaal Stadium unplayable.

And they are bracing themselves for a protest from the Magpies after UEFA admitted Valerenga had requested that their 5,000-capacity Vallhall indoor arena be the reserve venue.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd yesterday revealed that Middlesbrough counterpart Steve Gibson had offered the Riverside Stadium as an alternative for the first leg of the tie.

But Valerenga, who have studied the option of switching the game to Denmark, believe they would be "digging their own grave'' if they staged it outside their Oslo base.

A UEFA spokeswoman yesterday confirmed they had received the club's proposals, saying: "Valerenga had until midday to confirm their choice of venue.

"We have received a proposal from the club which includes the plan to play indoors on an artificial pitch and the proposal is now being dealt with by our stadium department.''

Valerenga director Kjetil Siem said: "We've talked it through with all the management and the supporters' club, and decided that it's almost like digging our own grave if we move the game away from our home town. Quite simply, we had to play such a big match at home.''

Siem added that fears over the possible adverse weather had also been allayed by experts.

He said: "We've spoken with the Institute for Meteorology and, on that same date (February 26) in the last ten years, the temperatures would not have stopped the match.

"Newcastle maintain they can refuse Vallhall as an alternative venue for both the main and the reserve arena.

"But we think that Vallhall is allowed for this purpose, and therefore propose it as our reserve stadium.''

Shepherd confirmed: "Steve Gibson and Middlesbrough have kindly offered us the use of their stadium should Valerenga decide to play their home tie in England.

"Common sense had to prevail and playing the game at Sunderland was never going to be an option."

But Valerenga have now ruled out the prospect of the game coming to these shores.

Meanwhile, Newcastle expect centre-back Jonathan Woodgate to return to action next month after a scan on his hamstring injury revealed only "minimal damage''.

United dismissed talk of the £9m England defender being out for two months. A club spokesman said: "The scan showed minimal damage and he'll be out for two or three weeks.''

Newcastle's Lee Bowyer has targeted a Boxing Day comeback at Leicester.

The midfielder was sidelined for the home games against Liverpool and Spurs with a hip problem and will miss a return to former club Charlton on Saturday.

But he will be back in training on Monday with his sights on the trip to the Walkers Stadium and the home game against Blackburn on Sunday, December 28.

* Laurent Robert has revealed he would like to stay with Newcastle for the rest of his career.

Sir Bobby Robson had to discipline the Frenchman this season after he was critical of the manager's tactics on his personal website.

It was the final straw for Robson, who was infuriated by the winger's repeated sniping. But after a written warning about his conduct, Robert has redeemed himself with a string of scintillating displays, crowned by his stupendous two-goal strike in the 4-0 weekend win over Tottenham.

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