PETER BEARDSLEY has at last landed a job on Newcastle United's backroom staff - coaching the club's young strikers.

Geordie legend Beardsley, who worked as a coach with England during Kevin Keegan's reign, will assist United's youth academy director Alan Irvine until the end of the season.

Beardsley had set his heart on ending his playing days with Newcastle and stepping into a coaching role at St. James' Park.

But former boss Kenny Dalglish shattered his hopes when he sold him to Bolton in the summer of 1997.

Beardsley later joined Hartlepool before linking up with England as part of the Keegan regime.

He has since been working towards his FA coaching badge.

l Newcastle boss Bobby Robson is on collision course with Nolberto Solano over the Peruvian's international call-up.

Robson initially appeared resigned to losing Solano for the game at Everton on Saturday after the winger declared his intention to link up with Peru for their friendly against Honduras in Miami a week tonight.

But the United manager yesterday toughened his stance when he warned: "As far as I'm concerned, Nobby will be going to Miami over my dead body.''

Meanwhile, United star Kieron Dyer yesterday underwent a further scan on his recurring shin problem.

A club spokeswoman last night said: "There will be no official statement until tomorrow.''

Newcastle's reserve game at home to Liverpool was last night postponed because of a waterlogged pitch at Kingston Park.

l Leyton Orient's Simon Downer is currently on trial at Newcastle.

Manager Bobby Robson asked Orient boss Tommy Taylor if he could take a look at the promising 19-year-old who can play as both a defender and a midfielder.