NEWCASTLE United boss Bobby Robson is facing double trouble with two of his most prized assets.

Kieron Dyer and Nolberto Solano are ready to add to Robson's problems - for different reasons.

Dyer is booked to see a specialist and undergo a scan this week, knowing the outcome could spell the end of his season.

The 22-year-old playmaker has been forced to pull out of Sven-Goran Eriksson's first England squad for tomorrow's friendly with Spain, after suffering a worrying recurrence of shin problems.

And Robson yesterday admitted: "Our physiotherapists have warned me that the specialist could say Kieron can't play for another three months.

"If that's the case, he might easily have played his last game of the season.''

Such a scenario would also rule Dyer out of England's World Cup qualifiers against Finland and Albania next month.

Dyer was given the all-clear to play on only four weeks ago when tests showed he had developed a cyst.

Robson insisted after Saturday's miserable 1-0 home defeat by Manchester City that Dyer would not need surgery.

But it already seems clear he will be told to at least take a lengthy rest in a bid to cure the problem.

Winger Solano, meanwhile, is set to link up with Peru this week with a stinging rebuke from Robson.

Solano is deserting depleted United in their hour of need to relaunch his international career, after patching up his differences with coach Julio Cesar Uribe.

The Peru boss is reported to be flying to Tyneside to hold clear-the-air talks with Solano ahead of the friendly against Honduras in Miami a week tomorrow.

But Robson revealed that Solano has already made up his mind about ending his self-imposed international exile.

Solano's change of heart has not gone down well with Robson, who was also unhappy with the South American's contribution on Saturday.

Solano was favourite to win a tackle with Man City's Danny Tiatto, but was beaten to the ball by the Aussie.

Robson, who saw his side booed off after losing their third successive game in abject fashion, was quick to single out Solano for criticism.

The United boss snapped: "Tiatto made up ten yards to get the ball. Nobby was a yard off the pace. He looked really sluggish - and he wants to go and play for Peru!''

Solano's absence at Everton this Saturday will leave United without a minimum of three midfielders.

Along with Dyer, Gary Speed (calf) is sidelined and Clarence Acuna (Achilles) is struggling to be fit after playing with pain against City.

On the plus side, Robert Lee is expected to return after a virus and Christian Bassedas is back from suspension.

But Robson, who has only just welcomed back skipper Alan Shearer from a two-month injury lay-off, may have a new problem up front.

Teenage targetman Shola Ameobi, who has deputised for Shearer since Christmas, is due to see a specialist about a back injury.

l New Queens Park Rangers manager Ian Holloway believes he has the qualities to keep his former club in the First Division.

Holloway was yesterday unveiled as the new manager of the struggling Londoners, succeeding Gerry Francis, who has become the club's director of football.

The 37-year-old was sacked as manager of Second Division Bristol Rovers last month and said: ''I can't wait. The players have got to work hard and they'll get honesty and enthusiasm from me and hopefully that will rub off.''