"HE'S a flogged horse," was Bobby Robson's brutally honest synopsis of Alan Shearer's injury problems when he missed his first game of the season at Aston Villa back on December 2.

"He needs a rest and if (Carl) Cort had been fit he would have got one," added the Newcastle boss.

With Cort seemingly taking Duncan Ferguson's place as a permanent fixture in the Newcastle treatment room, Shearer's initial rest was short.

A two-game break - including the 5-0 drubbing at Highbury - followed by Shearer's third steroid injection since Euro 2000 had the Newcastle centre forward back on his feet and in the starting line-up against Bradford.

He played the full 90 minutes, and again at Derby County a week later before Robson, and more importantly medical opinion, decided his most cherished playing possession had to go under the knife

When it was first revealed that Shearer was facing a lengthy lay off Robson said "it would be a bonus if we get him back before the end of the season".

Robson possibly underestimated how much playing for the Magpies means to their talismanic striker, and sure enough, at least a month ahead of schedule, he's back and raring to go.

Big Al will start today and Robson will be delighted to have his skipper back for the first time since the defeat at Derby, after an operation to cure tendinitis in the knee.

But in his absence what exactly has Robson discovered about his team?

What he has uncovered is a new gem in the shape of 19-year-old Shola Ameobi, who is definitely due a rest.

After attempting to bridge the massive void left by Shearer with first Daniel Cordone and then Lomanu LuaLua, with little success, Robson turned to the Nigerian-born adopted Geordie teenager.

Ameobi developed an immediate understanding with Kieron Dyer and the forward pairing proved to be a reserved success.

Many believed the Boxing Day game against Leeds United, the day before Shearer's operation, would reveal just how much Newcastle were lacking in the striking department.

But, facing a potential England centre-back pairing of the future in the shape of Rio Ferdinand and Jonathan Woodgate, Ameobi showed what a talent he will surely develop into.

Not afraid to put his considerable frame around, he gave Ferdinand and Woodgate a serious headache and announced himself on the Premier league stage.

With 30-year-old Shearer approaching the last few years of his career, Ameobi could prove to be a successor in waiting.

What Robson has also discovered is, apart from Ameobi and Dyer, his squad does not possess a striking force capable of seriously troubling Premiership defences.

LuaLua is yet to find his feet on Tyneside and Cordone's stay is not expected to exceed one season.

With the jury still out on Cort, and Ameobi needing a couple of seasons to find consistency in the top division, Robson must pray Shearer's battered and bruised body can stand up to the rigours of the Premiership for a few seasons to come.

l Bobby Robson has laid down the law to his Newcastle players after the abject performance at the Valley that provoked such a hostile reaction from fans on Tyneside.

The Toon boss revealed that he had instigated a hard-hitting 60-minute inquest into the defeat.

And he expects to see a response today against Manchester City in front of another sell-out crowd at St James' Park.

Robson said: "Harsh words were said and the players know how I feel.

"We sink or swim together. We put ourselves into the firing line with our display at Charlton and while I think some of the criticism was over the top, we now have a chance to reply to it. I'm sure there will be a positive reaction because we owe the fans.