SIR BOBBY ROBSON insists Craig Bellamy is on his best behaviour as Newcastle United weigh up whether to appeal against the one-match ban meted out to the Welshman yesterday by an FA disciplinary hearing.

Bellamy's improved domestic disciplinary record was also last night hailed by Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Mick McGuire as ''phenomenal''.

Magpies manager Robson spoke up for Bellamy when he was suspended and handed a £5,000 fine by a three-man FA panel at a personal hearing in York.

Bellamy was initially charged with using abusive and/or insulting words towards referee Andy D'Urso during Newcastle's 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough on March 5, and had admitted his guilt

The intervention of McGuire, however, resulted in the charge being reduced to improper conduct and, following lengthy deliberations, the panel's verdict means Bellamy is banned for Newcastle's final game of the season at West Brom a fortnight on Sunday.

Bellamy has 14 days to appeal, with Newcastle confirming in a statement that they are considering their position given that the 23-year-old has received only one domestic caution in the last 14 months.

After two Champions League suspensions this season, Robson believes Bellamy is beginning to learn from the error of his ways.

When he was denied a blatant penalty by referee Dermot Gallagher in the game with Fulham on Saturday, he managed to bite his lip, and Robson said: "He's behaving very well at the moment. I was more outraged with the referee on Saturday than Craig was.''

McGuire, who described yesterday's hearing as ''fair'', added: ''The FA were prepared to accept a charge of improper conduct rather than a charge of using foul and abusive language.

''They took into account Craig's fantastic record for a frontman on the playing field this season, the amount of pressure he has been playing under and the performances he has been producing.

''On the basis of that they have suspended him for one game and given him a £5,000 fine. Obviously, the management and myself will now discuss whether we will appeal against it.

''We just need to sit back and think about it carefully and that's what we will be deliberating over in the next few days, but everybody thought the hearing went well.

''There's been a real turnaround in Craig's record of late. His record of one caution in the past 14 months is a phenomenal one for anybody, never mind a 23-year-old playing for a team striving for a high European spot.

''The panel took that into account and a few other factors we were able to bring to bear, and accepted it was an out-of-character incident when you consider the record mentioned.

''Sir Bobby spoke very well on the player's behalf and has been a major instigator in Craig's improved record. Certainly this last season he has changed dramatically.''

In contrast, Bellamy's Champions League record has been abysmal as he picked up a three-match ban after being convicted on video evidence of head-butting Dynamo Kiev defender Tiberiu Ghioane in a 2-0 defeat in the Ukraine.

Bellamy was then hit with a similar penalty after being sent off for lashing out at Inter Milan defender Marco Materazzi at St. James' Park.

However, McGuire said: ''It's difficult to comment on whether the panel looked any wider.

''But it was never mentioned and it shouldn't be mentioned because we are talking about his disciplinary record in England, in the Premiership and cup games.

''We appreciate the problems he has had in Europe, but it's clear he has made every effort to improve his record.''

If Bellamy's suspension stands, his absence for the clash with relegated West Brom will be a blow to United's hopes of clinching a top-four finish and with it Champions League football again next season.

Bellamy also has a further incident to contend with after allegedly being involved in an incident at a Cardiff nightclub after meeting up with his Wales colleagues for their Euro 2004 qualifier against Azerbaijan.

The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed Bellamy has been summonsed to appear before magistrates in connection with a public order offence.

l Newcastle striker Michael Chopra has returned to St James' Park after a successful loan spell at First Division Watford.

The 19-year-old scored five goals in as many League appearances for the Hornets - four of them in a remarkable 7-4 victory at Burnley - and was included in the starting line-up for the club's FA Cup semi-final defeat by Southampton.

But he is now back on Tyneside to resume his fight for a first-team place. Chopra, who has managed to get Champions League experience this season, is currently well down the pecking order behind Alan Shearer, Craig Bellamy, Shola Ameobi, Lomana LuaLua and Carl Cort.

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