KIERON DYER faces being frozen out of Newcastle United's Worthington Cup quarter-final clash at Chelsea tonight.

Sub-zero North-East temperatures have hampered Dyer's recovery from long-term injury, even though he made his comeback as a late substitute in Sunday's win at Ipswich.

The England international is doubtful as United set out to crack two unwanted records against bogey team Chelsea.

They have failed to win on their last 28 visits to London - and haven't beaten the Blues in any cup competition for a staggering 70 years.

It is also eight games, in all competitions, and four seasons since they last recorded a win against Chelsea.

But Bobby Robson's side are likely to have to put those records straight without midfielder Dyer, who has suffered a reaction to the shin injury which required two operations and kept him out of action for over nine months.

To compound Robson's problems, a hip injury means that £10m French winger Laurent Robert is set to join Dyer on the sidelines along with South American midfield duo Christian Bassedas and Clarence Acuna.

Robson's big concern, however, is Dyer's setback. "Kieron has had a slight reaction to playing at Ipswich, which surprised us because he came off fine,'' said the Newcastle manager.

"The physio, Derek Wright, even suggests the weather can have an effect on it; the colder it is, the worse it could get.

"Kieron has a steel rod down his leg so maybe he's getting a bit of frost bite in it!

"But it might be something to do with the grounds being harder at this time of year. He's definitely doubtful.''

Robson insists he won't resort to superstition in a bid to rid United of their capital jinx, which stretches back over four years since they won at Crystal Palace.

"I didn't know it was 70 years since we'd beaten them in a cup, but that doesn't worry me,'' said Robson.

"Neither does the bad run in London. I just don't understand how it can be - it's amazing.

"You have to apply yourself, defend well and take your chances. There's no gimmick to ending the run; I won't be wearing a special tie or changing the way we travel, or changing hotels.

"The answer is having 11 players on the pitch playing with commitment and courage and confidence, with a will to win.

"And of course you need a bit of luck."

If the scores are level after extra-time, the tie will be decided by penalties, and Robson admitted: "We always practise penalties before games like this.

"I think a putt before you play golf is not a bad thing. It helps you get your rhythm.

"For a number of years, Liverpool hadn't won anything and then they won the Worthington Cup last season - and look how they finished.

"It got them going and it can do the same for us, although we'd be foolish to look beyond Chelsea.''

United opened their season with a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, where Chilean Acuna replied to an early strike by former Newcastle target Boudewijn Zenden.

Robson said: "We did very well against them, so we have nothing to be afraid of. They were hanging on while we were looking to win it.

"There are no signs of fatigue in the squad despite the early Intertoto Cup start - the players are standing up.''

Olivier Bernard, the 22-year-old who was signed on a free transfer from Lens in September last year, is poised to take the place of fellow countryman Robert.

"Olivier is a young player who we like very much,'' said Robson. "We're delighted with him; he's strong and very quick. He went into a tackle with Chris Makin of Ipswich the other day. It was a good job they played the ball, or else I think two legs would have finished in the stand.

"Olivier is combative, he's good in the air, has a good left foot and he can go past people, so he can come in and it will let us try to get Robert fit for the home game against Blackburn on Saturday.'

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