A DELIGHTED Bobby Robson welcomed back Greek international defender Nikos Dabizas, saying: "He showed us what we have missed all season."

Dabizas comfortably slotted into the Newcastle back four, adding a degree of authority that has clearly been missing for most of the season.

But Robson countered the news on Dabizas's return from a knee injury by revealing that he has all but ruled Alan Shearer out of his thoughts this season, with his captain facing the prospect of further surgery on his knee in a bid to finally cure his tendinitis.

Speaking about Dabizas Robson, who believes he is United's best defender, said: "He has wonderful ability in the air, and on the ground.

"He's experienced, he's tigerish and he's committed.

"I wasn't going to use Dabizas and had we not got into this depressing run I would have left him out until next season.

"He's been pulling my shirt recently (to play) and he's been in training for two months.

"I just felt we needed him out there today, and Hughes needed a rest.

"But the way he (Dabizas) played you wouldn't believe he's been out so long."

Dabizas clearly revelled in his return and marshalled the defence well while constantly getting forward to support his midfeld.

But the news on skipper Shearer wasn't so good with the Magpies' talisman return to America in around a week's time to see Colorado-based knee specialist Richard Steadman.

A second operation appears the most likely outcome, and Robson said: "He has made some progress.

"It looks like he'll not be available all season, and it looks like it will be another operation.

"Steadman will decide whether it is an operation or whether to build up the knee.

"In my head I have written him out for the season, but for Alan it's different."

Robson was delighted to have ended United's poor run, saying: "It has been a poor run, a sad run.

"I can't remember in my career pickng up just two points from 21."

* Gary Neville believes Manchester United will reach the Champions League semi-finals if they score twice against Bayern Munich.

Neville is ignoring the prophets of doom who have been predicting United's demise since they lost 1-0 at Old Trafford two weeks ago.

He is not worried that Bayern have only lost three of the 73 home ties they have played in the European Cup.

Neville feels United can transform Wednesday's quarter-final tie if they score in the Olympic Stadium, while two would be enough for victory.

The England defender believes the Reds can emulate their magnificent 3-2 victory at Juventus from two years ago if they attack from the first whistle.

''It's not as bad as everyone is making out, but obviously there has to be a performance from us,'' he said.

''We have to score. But we beat Juventus after we went 2-0 down and after they had scored an away goal so if we can score two goals out there, then I'm confident we will go through to the European Cup semi-finals.

''We must do that and we must perform because they are resilient and good defensively.

''We need to make sure in this game that we go on all-out attack.

''There must be no worries and no negative thoughts. We must think let's score two goals and we'll go through.''

United's confidence could hardly be higher going into the game after they secured their third successive Premier League title on Saturday.

This has topped up the players' morale after the low of losing the first leg at Old Trafford to a late Paulo Sergio goal.

''We were disappointed that the game went against us in the last ten minutes,'' said Neville.

''I think at 75 or 80 minutes the game was equal. They had completely nullified our attacking options and we had completely nullified their attacking options.

''I think probably the impetus of the two substitutes they brought on and the slack marking at the set-piece cost us.

''We felt 0-0 would be a great result going over to Bayern because we always back ourselves to score.

''But now that's gone and we've got to go over there and win.

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