Robson's 'cool it' order to firebrand Bellamy

The young Welsh forward is likely to be recalled to the Magpies' starting line-up against West Brom this afternoon after missing the last two games through injury.

On Thursday, Bellamy exchanged punches with Newcastle coach John Carver on the training ground after a difference of opinion.

But Robson insists that he has talked to both men involved and the matter was soon forgotten about.

"It was a storm in a teacup,'' he said. ''It lasted 12 seconds.

''I just took the opportunity to speak to Craig and to my coach in my room.

''We shook hands and everyone was smiles and away they went.

''It's something you see maybe once or twice over nine or ten months at every football league club. That's the guy. He's spiky. It's because he's spiky that he is how he is. Our crowd see that. Every time he looks as if he's going to blow a fuse, they go 'Shhh!'''

The £6m striker, who is currently the PFA Young Player of the Year, was recently involved in a head-butting storm after the Champions' League clash in Dynamo Kiev - and he has since received a European three-match ban over the incident.

And, while hoping to curb some of the cocky frontman's antics, Robson admits he does not want to change him too much.

"He is a tremendous asset and he just needs to be nurtured and controlled with our help," said the Magpies' chief.

"It's in his character, but we will keep at him.

"Last season he made some comments about a referee before he got injured.

"We told him then to stop those and concentrate on his game. But he can't because that's what he is. And he is a great talent with it.

"He has just got to count to ten or walk away instead of going on about it, and he needs to make sure it does not get under his skin.

"But he is only 23 and he is going to be playing a lot of international football and sometimes that can have a lot of aggravation, but he has to get over that."

Robson - with Bellamy expected to start up front alongside Alan Shearer today - leads his side into a Premiership clash at home to new-boys West Brom.

The former England coach spent a number of years at the Hawthorns between 1955-61 and he is delighted to see them back in the top-flight.

Robson, who still holds fond memories of the Midlands club, also suggested they may not be heading straight back into the Nationwide League after just one season back among England's elite.

"I'm glad they are back in the top-flight," said Robson. "I had six good years there and I got all of my international honours while I was there.

"It's taken them 16 years to get where they are. They are a Premiership club and it's nice for them and they will cause teams problems.

"Last season they had something like 17 games where they won 1-0, so we know they will be hard to breakdown.

"They are fighting for their lives and they have had some good results already."

Domestically, Newcastle are beginning to find their feet again after two straight victories.

But, after their third straight defeat in the Champions League at Juventus on Tuesday, Robson admits he has still been buzzing after his European adventures.

Robson added: "We enjoy it when we are taking on European sides.

"We may not have got any points but we're enjoying the nights.

"If we want those again next year then games like the one with West Brom are crucial for us.

"I've told all of the lads that the game with West Brom is another Sunderland - it's crucial.

"We have to make sure we pick up points along the way because we have to be aiming to finish in the top four again this time around."

Meanwhile, Portuguese wonder-kid Hugo Viana has travelled back to his home country in a bid to shake off a groin strain sustained in training yesterday.

Robson has given Viana permission to go back to his home country and he is not expected to return until next week.

Read more about Newcastle United FC here.