SIR BOBBY ROBSON is insistent that Nolberto Solano has a future at St James Park - despite the Newcastle boss finding no place for the Peruvian in his 16-man squad for Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Premiership champions Manchester United.

Solano angered his manager by jetting off to New York last Wednesday to play for his national side in their 3-1 win over Mexico last Wednesday.

Robson insists the winger received a new contract on the understanding that he would retire from the international game.

But Solano, signed by Kenny Dalglish from Boca Juniors for £2.5m five years ago, is now skipper of his country and determined to help them qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

Celtic are known to be monitoring the 28-year-old's situation, and Robson is aware that Peru have a World Cup qualifying double in a fortnight, the second game against Chile just 72 hours before Newcastle visit Everton.

When quizzed as to why there was no place for his creative right-sided player Robson defended his team selection.

He said: "I brought Bowyer here and he's on his way to developing 100 per cent fitness which he hasn't had yet.

"He was unfit all summer and behind in training in pre-season. He's now looking much better.

"Nobby went to play for Peru on Wednesday night. He played 90 minutes and got back late on Thursday. Lee can't play this Wednesday so Nobby will play. It's just a rotational system."

The need for Robson to utilise his entire squad was emphasised by a tired second-half performance - a fact acknowledged by Jermaine Jenas.

The England midfielder was a second-half substitute and said the team paid for their first-half exertions.

"Yes I noticed it from the bench - the lads were tired," said Jenas. "It was a hot day and yes there was some tiredness out there.

"We worked very hard in the first half to close them down in the first half and I am sure the lads will admit that.

"There were tired legs because we'd worked brilliantly in the first half."

Robson's enigmatic French winger Laurent Robert also provided fresh headaches for his manager.

A lacklustre display ended when he was hauled off in the 72nd minute only to snub his colleagues on the bench instead opting to make his way immediately to the dressing-room. A clearly angry Robson said afterwards: "It is an internal situation I will not discuss."

* Jonathan Woodgate is expected to return to the starting XI for the Champions League qualifier against Partizan Belgrade on Wednesday. Kieron Dyer should recover from a swollen Achilles suffered on Saturday, but Craig Bellamy's knee injury is expected to keep the Welshman out.

* Striker Lomana LuaLua is considering his future at St James' Park.

The 22-year-old, a £2.25m signing from Colchester three years ago, does not rate his chances of breaking into Sir Bobby Robson's plans. He is up against Alan Shearer, Craig Bellamy, Carl Cort and Shola Ameobi for a place.

''I am considering my future,'' LuaLua admitted. ''I feel as if I'm being held back at this club and I don't see myself getting a chance with the top strikers we have. Part of me is saying I have to get away, although it's too early to start talking about a transfer. We'll see.

''I will need to sit down with the boss and after that I will make a decision about my future.

''I've been here for two years, which has been a learning experience.''

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