NEWCASTLE boss Sir Bobby Robson is sticking with Laurent Robert for today's crucial home game against Bolton after accusing the Frenchman of dereliction of duty.

Winger Robert infuriated Robson when he was sent off for a second bookable offence on his recall in the 2-2 draw at Everton a week ago.

Robson this week issued Robert with a reprimand and a final, written warning over repeated sniping at the manager and his teammates on his official website.

But Robson, who paid Paris St. Germain almost £10m for Robert two years ago, is willing to give the 28-year-old flank player one last chance to prove his worth.

Robert was axed from the starting line-up following an act of petulance when he snubbed the bench and headed straight down the tunnel after being hauled off in the 2-1 home defeat by Manchester United a month ago.

Robson laid it on the line when he told Robert he hadn't been doing his job.

But yesterday he spoke of Robert's "rare'' ability and declared: "We know he can be a match-winner and we've been working on him this week.

"I'm not a stupid coach. I don't drop people unnecessarily - I drop them because they're not playing well enough to get in the team.

"I only leave people out who are not doing their jobs. If Laurent does his job as a professional and produces, then he is a rare player.

"I decided last week, after a lot of contemplation, that I would restore him to side for the match at Everton.

"The reason I did that was because we had a good response from him in training last week when, because of internationals, we only had 12 players here. He was in every day and looked really good.

"I decided to keep my powder dry and play him because he can be a sensational player.

"He can put in the crosses that Alan Shearer thrives on, and we have to get that out of him this weekend.

"When we bought Laurent, we brought in a winger with speed, dribbling ability, crossing ability and shooting ability - escpecially from free-kicks.

"What he has to do is impose all those qualities in his game and produce.

"At the same time, when we lose the ball, he has to be involved in defending to win it back.

"If he does that, he becomes an outstandingly good player because he has those attacking characteristics which, a year ago, brought him a pretty good season and us some good results.''

Newcastle have picked up only two points from their first four Premiership games and lost all three home matches, including the Champions League sudden-death penalty shoot-out defeat by Partizan Belgrade.

Robson admits his side must rediscover their once-impressive home form, but warns it will be no cakewalk against Bolton, even though Sam Allardyce's men have lost both away games 4-0 this season.

Robson said: "It's going to be a scrap and there's a tension about the club at the moment.

"But we have to play without pressure to relieve that tension. We're aware of the small trouble we're in. What we need is time because we think, with time, we'll crawl up the league.

"We have to start winning our home matches - that's a big part of our salvation.

"But it won't be easy against Bolton because they're not a duff side. Sam has brought in some good players in Jay-Jay Okocha and Youri Djorkaeff.''

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given will defy a swollen knee, but Robson faces a dilemma at the heart of defence where Andy O'Brien (hamstring) and Jonathan Woodgate (stomach) are injury worries.

Robson said: "Whether I play both of them is debatable. I have to decide who is the fitter.''

* Newcastle need one goal for 4,000 at St James' Park in the league since 1892, and one point for 400 in the Premiership on Tyneside.

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