BARCELONA coach Louis van Gaal has told Newcastle that the experience of Sir Bobby Robson and exuberance of the Toon Army can take them on a Champions' League adventure.

Robson admitted that his side had learned a lesson in Wednesday's 3-0 friendly defeat by Barca at St. James' Park.

With the first leg of their Champions' League qualifier away to little-known Sarajevo side NK Zeljeznicar now looming, Robson clearly has work to do to ensure the Magpies don't miss the Eur train and an estimated £15m windfall.

Over 51,000 - a record for a friendly on Tyneside - kept faith with United against a Barca side who confirmed their pedigree as one of Europe's finest clubs.

And Dutchman van Gaal, who has begun his second spell in charge at the Nou Camp, insisted that Geordie fanaticism, allied to Robson's outstanding managerial track record, are United's two biggest weapons as they prepare for battle in the former war-torn Bosnia next Wednesday.

Van Gaal, who in his first stint with Barca succeeded Robson as the Catalans' coach, said: "I have never seen him on the training ground, but he was at Barcelona in my first year there and he was chief scout then.

"He's a very good person and his record as a manager speaks for itself. He has won a lot of honours around Europe and he won three in one year at Barcelona.

"He's very experienced and he can manage in the Champions' League very easily.

"The other thing in Newcastle's favour is the crowd. They are great because they always support the team.

"It was disappointing for them to see their side lose a prestige game like this, but they were always behind the team.

"The fans are a main factor in how this Newcastle side plays.''

Van Gaal was Barca coach when Newcastle achieved arguably the greatest victory in their history at St. James' nearly five years ago.

Colombian striker Tino Asprilla, guest of honour at Wednesday's game, hit an unforgettable hat-trick as United recorded a landmark 3-2 triumph.

But there was never any danger of a repeat as Barca cruised to victory this time.

Dutch superstar Patrick Kluivert, another big admirer of Robson, grabbed the opening goal and would have made it 4-0 had Shay Given not pulled off a superb penalty save.

Kluivert, who on the eve of the game confessed he would consider any approach from Newcastle after five years with Barca, had words of encouragement for the Geordies.

The Holland striker insisted that a youthful United have the potential to make an impact in Europe, if not now then in years to come.

"It's difficult to say how Newcastle will fare in the Champions' League,'' said Kluivert. "It's too early to say because it's the beginning of the season.

"This was not a disaster for them. This team can really grow into something good.

"The potential is there but it's early days. The Champions' League will be a learning process for Newcastle and they have plenty of time to get it right.''

United's defending gave cause for alarm, with £5m new boy Titus Bramble at fault on two of the goals and also conceding the penalty.

However, Kluivert said: "People may be criticising the defence, but it's not necessary.

"It is always difficult to play against Barcelona. We have played at the top level for so many years, but they made it hard for us in the first 20 minutes.''

Meanwhile, striker Craig Bellamy should be fit for the second leg of Newcastle's tie with Zeljeznicar on August 28.

The Welsh international, who underwent a knee operation at the end of last season, returned to full training on Monday and United are optimistic he will be available again in under three weeks.

* Newcastle are sending the following squad to Gateshead tonight for a fund-raising match for the non-league club:

Harper, Karelse, Elliott Griffin, Marcelino, Jenas, Acuna, Shearer, Cort, Ameobi, Caldwell, Bassedas, Quinn, Orr, Robson, Brennan, Kendrick, Labonte.

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