NEWCASTLE UNITED boss Sir Bobby Robson looks set to lose his club-versus-country battle with Wales over the availability of striker Craig Bellamy.

Bellamy was given the green light to resume training yesterday after Monday's independent scan in Sheffield - requested by Robson - on his troublesome knee came up clear.

And now the former Norwich and Coventry City forward is in a race to be fit to face Italy in a crucial European Championship qualifier on Saturday.

If Cardiff-born Bellamy fails to receive the go-ahead to play against the Azzurri then he is expected to play a part in next Wednesday's clash with Finland.

But that has annoyed Robson who has been without the services of the temperamental front-man for Newcastle's last three defeats to Manchester United, Partizan Belgrade and Birmingham City.

The Magpies chief had to allow Wales' medical experts to take over the assessment of the knee problem, which was picked up in an international match against Serbia & Montenegro last month.

And Bellamy - who will be in court tomorrow to face charges relating to a nightclub incident in his home city - has joined up with his country's teammates.

He is a vital part of Wales boss Mark Hughes' plans, but Robson fears selecting the player could flare up the injury and lead to an even longer spell on the sidelines.

However, Hughes insists he will not risk Bellamy if there are doubts surrounding his full fitness.

And the Welsh coach is convinced Newcastle's pacy attacker will prove himself after restarting training today.

"I expect him to train with us on Wednesday. I think he has a very good chance of playing," said Hughes.

"We have been told that he is fit to travel and I will take my lead from our own excellent medical staff who I have complete faith in. I will be guided by them.

"I spoke to Sir Bobby on Friday, then we had several faxes from Newcastle on the subject. They invoked a FIFA rule that they believed meant they could ask for an independent medical assessment.

"We looked at the rules and although that was not really our interpretation, we were happy to go along with what Newcastle had asked, and we organised it.

"The specialist said Craig was OK and fit to join us and that is what has happened.

"I am not surprised what Newcastle have said - all club managers feel like that and they want their players to come back from internationals fit and well.

"That is just Sir Bobby voicing concerns, most club managers voice concern.

"I would always have Craig's best interests at heart, and there is no way I would risk him if he was not fit. Craig has joined us and he is very positive.

"I hope he can play in both matches, but we do not really know yet. We will have to see how he comes through treatment and training, we will assess the situation game by game."

Meanwhile, Newcastle's failure to qualify for the Champions League was further blighted yesterday after they were fined by UEFA for improper conduct of players.

They have been given a £2,100 penalty after five of their stars were booked during the qualifier first leg in Partizan Belgrade. The disciplinary body also dismissed appeals by Alan Shearer and Andy O'Brien against the bookings.

Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper has been ruled out for a month after sustaining a hamstring injury playing for the reserves. Harper was substituted just after the hour mark in the second-string defeat to Aston Villa on Monday night and is facing some time on the treatment table.

The injury to the shot-stopper will mean a place on the bench for third-choice goalkeeper Tony Caig.

* A Newcastle reserve XI will travel to Gretna for a friendly on Saturday (3pm).

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