CRAIG BELLAMY is set to make a high-risk comeback as Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson goes for broke in tomorrow's do-or-die Champions' League clash with Feyenoord.

United need a win to have a chance of progressing to the second group phase of Europe's top club competition and Robson is banking on Bellamy, sidelined for over three weeks with renewed knee trouble, to lead the charge alongside skipper Alan Shearer.

Bellamy hasn't played since the 5-2 defeat at Blackburn, after which he was hit by an alarming recurrence of tendinitis.

The condition, which at one time threatened Shearer's career, forced Bellamy to undergo keyhole surgery in May at the Colorado clinic of world-renowned specialist Richard Steadman.

Bellamy recently paid a return visit for a further consultation, and was advised to follow a careful fitness programme.

Now, after working under the guidance of United's fitness coach, Paul Winsper, and resuming training with his teammates for the first time yesterday, the 23-year-old striker is again looking to be the big noise in the Magpies' party.

Bellamy was banned for United's last three Champions' League matches for headbutting Dynamo Kiev's Tiberiu Ghioane.

But before flying out to Rotterdam yesterday, Robson revealed: "I think Craig is going to be available.

"It's asking a lot of him, but it's our last chance of staying in the Champions' League and, because of that, the risk is well justified.

"But I have to talk to him and find out how he feels.

"I know the work people have done with him and work the lad has done himself. He's splendid in that respect - he's a very good pro.

"He looked brisk, sharp, confident and full of intent in training. We have looked after him and rehabilitated him professionally.

"We haven't asked him to play while he has had this condition - that would have been stupid.

"This was the first day he has actually trained collectively with the first-team squad.

"He's had a week building up his fitness and he did a double training session on Saturday.

"But since he dropped out this is the first time he's been amongst us. Put that into perspective and compare it to actually playing in a tough, last Champions' League group match to see whether we proceed or don't. I have to decide whether Craig is ready to play in a match like that.

"It's such a big game, I have to be right about it. But he looks busy and free of any knee problems. He had a competitive element in his training - and he was noisy. Once he's noisy, you know he's almost back!

"He looks as though he's ready to play, but I have to decide whether we play him from the start or hold him back in case we need him to come on. I just have to get my own head right about that.''

Newcastle midfielder Gary Speed said of Wales teammate Bellamy: "He has given everyone a lift just by being here."

Robson, who had two spells in charge of Feyenoord's Dutch League rivals PSV Eindhoven, comes up against something of a Nemesis in counterpart Bert van Marwijk.

The Feyenoord coach extended his unbeaten record against Robson when United lost 1-0 in the sides' initial Group E encounter at St. James' Park in September.

Robson was yesterday unaware of the hold the former Fortuna Sittard boss has over him.

Van Marwijk regards it as a proud boast, and Robson said: "If he is making those statements, he has more historical information than I have.

"All I know is, we lost to his side at our place this season. But if he says that's the record he has against me, I'm sure he's right.''

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Shay Given, who last week voiced his opposition to Robson's decision to rotate him with Steve Harper, is poised to get the nod over his friendly rival and line up at De Kuip