NEWCASTLE United legend Chris Waddle insists Kieron Dyer literally needs a finishing touch to his game before the likes of Juventus come calling for the England starlet.

Waddle joined other Geordie heroes, including rock star Sting, at the Stadio Delle Alpi on Tuesday night to see United lose 2-0 to Juve in Group E of the Champions' League.

The defeat leaves Sir Bobby Robson's side facing elimination from Europe's elite club competition and desperately chasing the consolation prize of qualification for the UEFA Cup via third place in their section.

Robson played the mercurial Dyer in a free role behind captain Alan Shearer.

And Dyer produced an eye-catching display which Robson reckoned rivalled that of the Magpies' executioner, Juve's two-goal skipper Alessandro Del Piero.

Waddle still has doubts about Dyer's ability to make the most of his attacking flair.

A return of only 15 goals from 103 Newcastle appearances lends weight to Waddle's misgivings.

But, as one who left St. James' Park for Tottenham in 1985 to further his career, Waddle is adamant that Dyer can realise his ambitions on Tyneside under the shrewd tutelage of old stager Robson.

"I'm sure a few Serie A sides will be looking at Dyer after that performance, but he's not the finished article,'' said Waddle, who was at the game as a summariser for BBC radio.

"With his running power and engine, he should be hitting double figures every year. Once he learns to finish, yes, he will be a big fish.

"He's coming along nicely and in the best place possible. Bobby is the perfect coach for him. He knows how to look after and nurture talent.

"One day Kieron will be a big hit and a lot of clubs will want him, but there's no reason why he should not stay put.

"As things stand, he's in the right place at the right time with the right manager.''

United are stuck at the bottom of their Champions' League group without a point or a goal after three defeats.

But Waddle maintains they can defy the odds and reach the next phase by exacting revenge against Juve - the return is in just under three weeks' time - and Dynamo Kiev and Feyenoord.

He said: "Newcastle gave as good as they got against Juventus and would have been ahead at half-time, but for a wonderful save from their keeper (Gianluigi Buffon). I thought it was a very even game.

"Newcastle are the whipping boys of the group according to the table, but not by their football.

"I've seen their three games so far and they could have got something from all of them.

"Now they've played Juventus in Turin and have nothing to be afraid of. They can win the return at home, especially if there are 52,000 inside St James' Park.

"Juve are top and probably need just one more win to qualify. They will be keen to wrap it up quickly, but they know it won't be easy against Newcastle again.

"Surely Newcastle's luck has to change? Results say they're out of their depth at this level, but their football does not.

"With a little luck Newcastle could have been on four or five points by now. Having zero is pretty harsh.''

Waddle admitted he felt pity for Robson as they both returned to the scene of the bleakest chapter in their careers.

Robson was England manager and Waddle one of his star performers when West Germany triumphed in an agonising World Cup semi-final penalty shoot-out in Turin 12 years ago.

And, of course, it was Waddle who missed the decisive penalty after Stuart Pearce had also failed from the spot.

"I feel so sorry for Bobby coming over to Turin again and not getting the result he so desperately wanted, but he knows Newcastle have nothing to be ashamed about,'' said Waddle.

"Believe me, he'll fancy their chances of getting nine points and still going through.

"It's going to be tough but he'll have seen enough to tell the lads: 'Don't give up, we're still in it.' If they manage to beat Juve and Kiev at home, then I really fancy theirchances of winning at Feyenoord. Stranger things have happened.''

Regardless of United's European destiny this season, Waddle is convinced they can figure on the Champions' League stage again next term.

"Why not? They've won two in a row in the Premiership and another win on Saturday at home to West Brom will move them towards the top six or seven."

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