Newcatle United will claim substantial compensation from Wales if Craig Bellamy jeopardises his career by aggravating a knee injury in Saturday's crucial Euro 2004 qualifier with Italy.

United manager Sir Bobby Robson is seething after Bellamy, who has been sidelined for over a fortnight, linked up with the Welsh squad against his wishes ahead of today's flight to Milan.

Newcastle stepped up their attack on the Welsh FA yesterday when chief operating officer, Russell Cushing, slammed Wales boss Mark Hughes' declaration that he is prepared to risk Bellamy's fitness as "disgraceful'' and a slight on former England manager Robson.

The Geordies have also referred the matter to the FA in the hope that FIFA, world football's governing body, will bring pressure to bear on Wales.

Newcastle's fury has intensified after the Welsh FA sought independent medical advice about Bellamy's knee and were told he was fit to play.

This contradicted the opinion of a Harley Street specialist, who last week prescribed a three-week rest cure after the 24-year-old striker had told Robson he was considering quitting the game because of constant knee pain.

Robson made Bellamy see sense, but has since warned his £6m signing he will be "in trouble'' if he returns injured from international duty - Wales also face Finland in Cardiff next Wednesday.

A club cannot refuse to release a player to represent his country, but are entitled to compensation from the international association concerned if he is injured as a result and is forced to miss matches.

Cushing said: "Wales must expect that we will fight this tooth and nail. We must protect the interests of the club and the player to the fullest extent.

"The statement from Mark Hughes that he is prepared to risk Craig in the Euro 2004 qualifier with Italy against the wishes of Sir Bobby Robson is disgraceful and a clear verbal indicator of his total lack of respect or concern for the future well-being of the player and the future relationship of the club and his employers.''

Newcastle sent Bellamy to the Colorado clinic of world-renowned knee specialist Richard Steadman in May last year for keyhole surgery on a tendinitis problem, and he returned in the autumn for a further consultation after suffering a recurrence.

Robson said: Craig has had the best treatment money can buy from this club.

"He was told to take two or three weeks' rest and he has not trained or kicked a ball for us since then, so it's ironic that he is now going off to play for Wales.''

Robson, whose side have suffered three straight home defeats without Bellamy, added: "This club has lost £10m by not going through to the Champions League proper. Will Wales earn £10m if they go through to the finals of Euro 2004? I doubt that very much.

"It's a delicate decision and can only be made by one person - Craig Bellamy.

"After all, he knows his body better than anyone.

"I wonder how he can play for Wales without a game under his belt or any proper training.

"What I would say to him is: 'If you're not 100 per cent fit, then don't take the chance'.''

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