BOBBY ROBSON has given the clearest hint yet that Nolberto Solano's future lies with Newcastle United.

Manager Robson yesterday confirmed that Solano has delayed his link-up with Peru for next week's World Cup qualifier in Brazil to take on derby rivals Sunderland today at the Stadium of Light.

Solano's decision early this year to revive his international career has proved a major bone of contention and threatened the 26-year-old winger's hopes of winning a new contract on Tyneside.

Robson has complained bitterly about the number of games the jet-lagged Solano has missed while on trans-Atlantic treks to represent his country.

The United boss even tried to "frighten'' Solano by suggesting he should take a pay cut because of his lack of availability.

Solano, the target of interest from clubs at home and abroad, has only a year left on his contract but is in negotiations with United over a new deal.

And Robson yesterday admitted: "Yes, I think Nobby will be here next season.

"He's resolved the current situation himself - he's had no pressure from me. He told the Peruvian FA that he wants to stay and play in the derby match and travel immediately after the game.

"Had the Peruvian FA, under FIFA regulations, insisted that Nobby went before the Sunderland game, we would have had no option but to let him go.

"But Nobby has been quite clear about it and strong with the Peruvian FA.

"He wants to fight for this club. He knows we've had a depressing run and he's been a little bit off the boil himself. He did better in Monday's game against West Ham and he sees this as an opportunity to repay the club. I appreciate his gesture.

"I need him because we know he's out of the next two matches through suspension.

"He knows what the derby games means to us and he made his decision to stay and play before the West Ham game.

"The problem he has is when he comes back from international duty. When he comes back on a Friday night, he's all of a twirl and he can't play on a Saturday.

"But he says he can play here and then go out there and be okay for the game next Wednesday.

"We had him for six months last year, but we never saw him because he was away so much. I tried to frighten him by saying we would take away ten, 15 or 20 per cent of his salary.

"But because of his stance regarding this Sunderland game, he's shown a sense of loyalty to the club.

"The future is something we have to think about now. He's on another year here, so there's no panic about a new contract.''

Robson wants Solano to be part of a new-look Newcastle next season. Chairman Freddy Shepherd has promised funds to strengthen a squad which has been ravaged by injuries this season and ended up languishing in lower mid-table.

"I don't know what money I'm going to have, but that will come soon,'' said Robson. "I'm driving the board to do something, but they understand. We have to do something to deliver a better scenario for our supporters.

"We know what we haven't achieved this season and we know why. We haven't had a lot of luck but we have a lot of good players and we must keep what's good and add to that.''

Serious injuries to skipper Alan Shearer, fellow striker Carl Cort, midfielder Kieron Dyer and defender Nikos Dabizas - all of whom have undergone surgery - undermined the Magpies' campaign.

Now they face losing influential midfielder Robert Lee, who is doubtful for today's game and facing an imminent knee operation.

The rival camps extended the hand of friendship this week in an attempt to defuse what could prove an explosive derby encounter - on and off the pitch.

United are still smarting from successive 2-1 home defeats by Sunderland in the last two seasons.

And lifelong Newcastle fan Robson confessed: "A defeat by Sunderland hurts more than most. No supporter feels worse than the players and myself, because it's our lives.

"You'll never stop the hype surrounding a game like this. There've been all sorts of ideas to calm the situation and we're going along with that.

"It's a sporting occasion and discipline and organisation are important on and off the pitch.

"But it's Sunderland v Newcastle and it's in the hearts of both sets of supporters that they must win.

"Is there a better away support in the world, let alone this country, than ours?

"There are no favourites in a derby - home advantage doesn't mean a thing.''

l Alan Shearer could be back under the knife a week on Tuesday in a bid to cure the knee problem which has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Shearer is booked for a return visit to Dr Richard Steadman's clinic in Vail, Colorado, on the day Newcastle entertain their skipper's first club, Southampton, in a rearranged game.

"We've played the whole season without the real Alan Shearer, but I'm confident he'll be back next term,'' said Robson.

"He sees Dr Steadman again on May 1. He'll decide if he needs an operation and if he does the chances are he'll have it there and then.

"If he doesn't, he'll come back here but we won't risk him.''

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