NEWCASTLE United boss Bobby Robson has declared Kieron Dyer fit to play at Derby today - despite his £20m-rated England midfielder limping out of training this week.

Dyer suffered a reaction when playing in a practice match at Newcastle's training ground on Thursday, and was forced to leave the field with pains in his shins.

But Robson insists the problem is not a major one, and he'll be ready to play his part at Pride Park.

"Kieron Dyer is up for selection," said Robson. "There is no problem.

"He limped out of training because we had a little bit of a match and the ground was rock hard.

"He's got a bit of a reaction, and he was beginning to feel his shin a bit. He was back in the afternoon and he had recovered - he was fine. There's no doubt about Dyer."

Robson however revealed he will have to put his speedy forward Craig Bellamy's return to first-team action on hold for at least another week.

The Wales international was expected to play some part in this afternoon's game, but Robson is refusing to rush back his £6m buy of the season. "Craig Bellamy will not play," he said. "He will be training over the weekend and his latest scan is positive.

"The repair to the patella tendon is clear. All the scan is showing is a slight tendinitis and we need to get rid of that before we play him, otherwise it might return.

"There's great hopes he'll be fit for the Charlton game."

After the disappointment of a 1-1 draw with Fulham on Monday, the Magpies were boosted by Blackburn holding their major challengers to a Champions League place, Chelsea, at Ewood Park in midweek.

Robson now knows that a return of ten points from the last five games would guarantee a Champions League spot.

"That's what we're chasing, that's what we're after," he said.

"There'll be twists and turns before the end of the season but there's no reason why we shouldn't get them."

A win at Pride Park this afternoon would virtually seal Derby's relegation from the top-flight - and that of former Magpies Rob Lee and Warren Barton.

The duo have an added incentive for taking the points against their ex-employers, and Rams boss John Gregory recognises the influence they have had in a short period of time at the Midlands club.

''Warren and Rob have done very well,'' admitted the Derby manager. ''They have gone from playing in a team that's been in the top four for most of the season and come here, not just to perform themselves, but also to get others to perform. When we do different training routines, you only have to tell them once and it sinks in. They have been fantastic.''

Robson was also ready to sing their praises ahead of this afternoon's clash. "Both were great servants and they'll be doing their utmost to take three points off us and give them a bit of a lifeline," said Robson.

Gregory has nothing but praise for Robson, a manager whom he holds in the utmost respect.

''Bobby Robson is as fresh and enthusiastic as when he first set out," said Gregory.

''He has done this job at the very highest level and continues to do it outstandingly well. That says a lot for the man.

''When I was with Aston Villa and having a bad time, he made a point of coming early and spending an hour in my office. He kept telling me I was doing a good job and that I had to stick at it.''

On the injury front Robson had some good news for England Under-21 boss David Platt, with hopes that Shola Ameobi could be fit for next month's European Under-21 Championships in Switzerland. The centre-forward had surgery on a knee cartilage problem last month and is making good progress.

"He's still recovering from a cartilage but he's back to 50 per cent running," he said. "He's done very well. He's recovering greatly.

"I didn't think he'd be fit before the end of the season. He might not be needed or might not be ready for it. But if we can get him fit for that Under-21 European Championship, I'm going to let him go to it because it will be a great experience for him.

"I've told Platty about that and he's delighted."

* Newcastle wonderkid Michael Chopra has been included in the party travelling to Derby but Robson won't be blooding the England Under 18 international just yet.

Robson said: "He's coming along nicely. There'll be calls for him but he's not ready yet. He's a year away and we're just settling him in. We know in Chopra we have fine Premiership player.

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