NEWCASTLE boss Sir Bobby Robson could be on collision course again with Wales after he declared striker Craig Bellamy a major doubt for the vital Euro 2004 qualifiers next month, writes CLIVE HETHERINGTON.

Bellamy, 24, travelled to London yesterday to consult a specialist over nagging knee trouble.

Robson last night insisted the injury is ?short-term?? but has ruled him out of Newcastle's Champions League qualifier with Partizan Belgrade tonight and Saturday?s home game against Birmingham.

He also said Bellamy's hopes of playing for Wales against Italy in Milan on September 6 and at home to Finland

four days later, had 'diminshed', but stressed he expected him to be fit for Newcastle's game at Everton the following weekend.

That will not go down well in The Valleys, where former England manager Robson's name was mud last season when he pulled Bellamy out of the qualifier in Azerbaijan because of knee trouble, but played him at Manchester United three days later.

Robson, who received hate mail from angry Welsh fans, said of Bellamy's

latest problem: ''It's short-term. I've had a phone call to tell me a bit about how it went in London and I'm sure the club will issue a bulletin soon.

''He won't play this week, either tomorrow or Saturday, but after that we think there's a chance he might be fit for us when the next league match comes around.

''I would say his chances of playing for Wales have diminished. They have a couple of important games, but the object of the exercise is for Craig to have the amount of time that's necessary for him to get that knee right so he can enjoy the rest of the season.

''Maybe it's all it needs, being looked after for the next two-and-a-half weeks.''

The Welsh currently lead their group by two points having played the same number of games as Italy, and if they manage to avoid defeat at the San Siro they will have their qualifying fate in their own hands.