Bellamy forced to send back his party invitation

The Wales striker won't play again this term after manager Bobby Robson revealed he is still suffering the effects of tendinitis.

Bellamy was out for over eight weeks before making a late substitute appearance in Tuesday's 2-2 draw at Blackburn, where United booked their place in the qualifying round of next season's Champions' League.

There is sure to be a carnival atmosphere on Tyneside today as the Magpies celebrate their top-four Premiership finish in their final home game of the season against West Ham.

They round off the campaign at Southampton in two weeks' time.

But Bellamy will be forced to look on from the sidelines as United prescribe a rest cure for a problem similar to the one which resulted in skipper Alan Shearer undergoing career-saving surgery almost a year ago.

World-renowned knee specialist Richard Steadman performed a successful operation on Shearer, and Robson yesterday confirmed that United are again consulting the Colorado-based physician over Bellamy's condition.

Robson said: "We've decided to shut Bellamy down for the rest of the season. He's still got slight tendinitis and he's not 100 per cent comfortable with it.

"He had a bit of a test on Tuesday which he enjoyed - he wanted to get on.

"But we need to get him right for the start of next season. It's not as severe as the problem Alan had - he had a major op.

"Craig did have a slight tear. That's repaired, but there are still signs of tendinitis.

"However, I'm confident he won't need an operation. If it means taking him over to see Steadman, we'll do that.

"We'll talk to Steadman to see what he thinks, but I'm sure he'll say he just needs rest.

"We'll keep him fit this summer with swimming and bike work. It's a very wise decision and the boy is happy about it.''

Frustration got the better of Bellamy a week ago when Robson refused to bring him on as a substitute in the 3-0 home defeat of Charlton.

The 22-year-old PFA Young Player of the Year, who joined United from Coventry for £6m last summer, stormed down the tunnel after Robson had used all three substitutes.

"Now he realises what a clever manager I am - he thought I was a so-and-so at the time,'' said Robson.

And Bellamy, who will also miss Wales' forthcoming friendly with Germany, admitted: "The knee is still a bit funny.

"I'm not going to take any risks with it. I've achieved so much this season, but next year is going to be massive for me.

"I want to be fine for the start of the season.

"I can't risk being out for the first game.''

Robson, meanwhile, yesterday backed Shearer in his pursuit of yet another target - this season's Premiership Golden Boot award.

The former England captain became the first player to score 200 Premiership goals when he struck against Charlton.

And he added two more to his haul to twice peg back old club Blackburn and take his season's top-flight tally to 21, only two behind Chelsea's Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink at the top of the Premiership goal chart.

Robson said: "He has a chance - and he'll go for it. He won't stop trying to score. I can't believe he was 40-1 to finish top scorer in the Premiership at the start of the season.''

Lomana LuaLua will partner Shearer again today as Robson looks to maintain the momentum built up during a six-match unbeaten run.

The United boss wants to "pay homage'' to the fans who have sustained an average League crowd of 51,331.

After today, United will have been watched by more than two million people home and away this season, including the Intertoto Cup.

Robson said: "I'm going to do duty to the public and the players. I don't want to lose our last match here this season.

"I won't field a weakened team. Alex Ferguson did that last season after Manchester United had the title tied up, and he lost.

"We've had a great year - I don't think we could have done better. We've only lost eight games, four at home and four away, and that's pretty reasonable.

"It'll take some achieving to improve on this next season.

"But we know we have to take things to another level and we've indentified the new players we want.''

l Newcastle's misfit defender Marcelino has suffered a freak ankle injury.

The injury-prone Spanish centre-back, signed by Ruud Gullit for £6m from Real Mallorca nearly three years ago, has been the most expensive flop in United's history.

Some fans have accused him of malingering, but Robson said: "He has an injury and it's as genuine as I am.

"He stepped on the ball and went over on his ankle. He's got a tear and it's unfortunate because he's been super for the last few months.

"He hasn't missed any training lately and he's been playing very well for the reserves. He's been a good pro and he's just had an unfortunate incident, and he's out for the rest of the season.''

Striker Shola Ameobi has also been hit by a minor setback in his recovery from a cartilage operation.

But Robson is still attempting to ensure he is fit to play for England in the UEFA Under-21 Championship.

"He has a slight problem below his knee which has nothing to do with the operation,'' insisted Robson.

"He's just developed swelling, but I'm trying to get him fit for the Under-21 Championship.

"I spoke to David Platt yesterday and he would like Shola in the squad. It would be a marvellous experience for him to play in the Under-21 tournament. That would only benefit him and the club for next season.'

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