NEWCASTLE United midfielder Robert Lee is winning his race to be fit for his testimonial match with Athletic Bilbao.

The Spaniards, who knocked United out of the UEFA Cup nearly seven years ago, provide the opposition for Lee's big day on August 11.

"It looks very positive for my testimonial and it has always been in my mind to get fit for that game,'' said the 35-year-old former England international, who underwent knee surgery near the end of last season.

"After only two weeks off in the summer, I expect to be fully fit in two to three weeks.

"As everyone knows, it's my first football-related operation and I expected everything to be perfect almost immediately.

"In fact, I've had a couple of niggles and I've been feeling some stiffness and pain, but people keep telling me that's only natural after surgery.

"So far I've been training on my own, but I'm beginning to do some ballwork and more physical stuff.

"Even so I'm not due to join in with the rest of the lads until after next week.''

Lee is one of four key players who won't be available when the Magpies begin their Intertoto Cup campaign on Saturday with a third-round, first-leg visit to Belgium's Sporting Lokeren.

Along with Lee, Alan Shearer and Kieron Dyer are recovering from knee and shin operations, while Carl Cort is still short of fitness after damaging ankle ligaments.

"No disrespect to anyone, but it's vital we get all the injured players back,'' said Lee.

"There are so many players who are important to us currently sidelined that it will be like a clutch of new signings when everyone is fit.

"It's just a pity everyone won't be ready for the weekend.

"I don't think we should be putting any pressure on Alan or Kieron to return by a certain time, but everyone knows how desperate they are to play.''

Shearer and Dyer won't be fit when United kick off the new season with a pay-per-view visit to Chelsea on Sunday, August 19.

But Lee maintained: "I'm still confident we'll make a solid start to the season even though we have a very difficult opening.

"With the injuries we have and the number of players who are trying to get fit, there is no doubt the Intertoto could be seen as more of a hindrance than a help.

"But the players who are fit have the opportunity to get some competitive games under their belts and, of course, there's that UEFA Cup place at the end of it if we do as well as expected. When you look at the competition in that light, it's impossible to knock it.''

United manager Bobby Robson has made only two close-season signings - striker Craig Bellamy arrived from Coventry in a £6m deal and Geordie old boy Robbie Elliott returned after leaving Bolton on a free transfer.

Lee stressed: "I have said all along that the club needs to make three or four quality signings this summer.

"So far we have brought two players in and there is plenty of time to add to the squad. I'm delighted to see Robbie back because he knows better than most what it means to play for this club and he loves it here.

"When he left he looked a good player, but now he looks much fitter and he desperately wants to do well for the club.

"Like most people I haven't seen a lot of Craig Bellamy, but I don't understand how some people can start judging him already.

"He's very confident and he can only become a better player given the chance to work alongside Alan Shearer and Carl Cort.''

Tickets for Lee's testimonial go on sale on July 30.

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