TON-UP Newcastle boss Bobby Robson is looking to Alan Shearer and Laurent Robert to mastermind a memorable victory over champions Manchester United at St James' Park this afternoon.

The visit of Sir Alex Ferguson's men marks Robson's 100th competitive game as Newcastle manager, a little more than two years since he succeeded Ruud Gullit.

Fit-again Shearer has been a thorn in the Red Devils' side since he opted for a move to his native Tyneside rather than Old Trafford in the wake of Euro '96.

And new £10m Frenchman Robert promises to give Ryan Giggs a run for his money as the most exciting left-wing talent in the Premiership.

Robert is confident he can strike up the perfect partnership with Shearer following his summer move from Paris St Germain.

But while Robson refuses to be drawn into a comparison between the Gallic guile of Robert and Welsh wizardry of Giggs, he admitted: "Giggs scores goals and makes goals - and Laurent does the same.

"I think it will be an interesting element for the public to see both outside-lefts, assuming Giggs plays.

"I don't wish to compare Laurent with Giggs. We know what Giggs can do and so far Laurent has impressed everybody. He's pacy, he has a great left foot, a strong shot and rarely loses the ball. I'm delighted with him."

Robert notched his first Newcastle goal and was instrumental in the other three in the 4-1 derby triumph at Middlesbrough a week ago, when skipper Shearer scored twice in his first start for six months.

And with Craig Bellamy hitting a tremendous 12-minute, extra-time hat-trick against Brentford in the 4-1 Worthington Cup win in mid-week, Robson is spoilt for choice up front.

He has injury worries at the back with Aaron Hughes, Wayne Quinn and Andy O'Brien, but was yesterday hoping to hand a debut to loan signing Sylvain Distin, who has been waiting for his registration to be released by Paris St. Germain.

Spanish misfit Marcelino is so far out in the cold that he is not even considered for selection.

Robson said that Andy Griffin, Robbie Elliott and Nikos Dabizas were his only 100 per cent fit defenders and hinted all three could start.

"You can't afford to play anybody against Manchester United if they have a fitness doubt," said Robson. If you select unfit players and two break down, then you really are in trouble.

"But even if we had everybody available, we wouldn't play an extra man at the back. At home you just have to go at it and show you are not afraid."

Robson added: "We got a creditable draw at home to Man. United last season, and two years ago we were awesome in winning 3-0 here, so Sir Alex knows he has got a difficult match."

As his former coach at PSV Eindhoven, Robson knows the menace posed by £19.5m Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy, and admitted: "If I needed a striker and had the money, he's the sort I would have bought. I saw him in training every day for a year and I know what he can do."

Robson has won 43, drawn 27 and lost 29 of his games as Newcastle boss, and said: "It's a great thrill it being my 100th.

"Manchester United will prove very tough opposition and there aren't many more difficult ways of bringing up your century.''

Chairman Freddy Shepherd said: "Fans, including myself, can only admire what Bobby has achieved."

Newcastle players observed three minutes' silence yesterday before training in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks in the United States, and the club will hold a collection outside the ground before today's match for the British Foreign Office Appeal Fund.

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