KIERON Dyer is taking the tablets to spare Newcastle boss Bobby Robson and England coach Sven Goran Eriksson a joint headache.
The Geordies' gem plays at Charlton tomorrow after an extended dose of double aspirin every day to help cure his shin problem.
The pill-power promises to push Dyer into the England squad when Eriksson names his first line-up next week. And Robson has reassured the Swede that Newcastle are doing everything they can to protect the long-term fitness of their midfield star.
Robson has been told the best treatment for Dyer is to train and play - even though the injury could flare up at any time.
The United boss got a second boost yesterday when Alan Shearer was given the green light to join the squad for the club's mid-season break in La Manga next week.
The game at The Valley has come just too soon for the former England skipper, despite an astonishing two-month recovery from knee surgery.
But Robson said: "While it was never my intention to play Alan at Charlton it's great to see him so chirpy. He is such a good example and leader and he has given the whole place a lift.
"I wouldn't risk him on Sunday because he's too valuable. But he'll be ready for Manchester City in a fortnight and that's great news."
Robson confirmed that Dyer's name cropped up when he had a lengthy one-hour discussion with Eriksson in midweek, when the England coach will have been reassured over Dyer's fitness for the friendly against Spain at the end of the month.
"He asked me about certain players and we talked about Kieron's situation along with a number of others," said the Newcastle boss.
"I wouldn't push a player into Sven's mind unless he was quality. Kieron has been examined by the specialist and he's fine. He'll have another scan when we come back from La Manga but at the moment there's nothing more we can do.
"He's fit to play but if it flares up he won't be able to. It's a bit of an unknown situation because while we don't think it's a stress fracture there is something there and he gets a reaction.
"But he can't just not train and play. Aspirin apparently is the best thing he can take and it seems to be working."
Dyer has been playing up front in Shearer's absence and Robson believes there hasn't been a better attacking player in the country in recent months.
However, with Shearer and Carl Cort set to return shortly the midfielder is likely to have reverted to his favoured position by the time the England game comes around.
Dyer is likely to keep a striker role against Charlton even though Kevin Gallacher is fit again.
But Robson is looking for a team effort to finally bury the club's capital jinx, which now stretches back 23 games and three years.
"I don't think it's psychological but we must improve our woeful experiences in London," he said. "I hope the players get angry about it and I hope they are upset about the way we fail to manage a clean sheet, because I am.
"I have a lot of time for Alan Curbishley, but I'm looking to stop Charlton doing the double.
"We face a crucial six weeks and the team that can show most consistency will be favourite to nab one of those European places."
Newcastle meanwhile are in talks with Sheffield United over a permanent move for fullback Wayne Quinn, who plays his last match on loan for the Geordies tomorrow.
Quinn is desperate to clinch a deal and Robson wants to sign him. Newcastle value Quinn at around £800,000 but the Blades are believed to want more. "We have our opinion on valuation and the chairman is discussing it with Derek Dooley," said Robson.
Robert Lee is fit to play against his first club but Daniel Cordone has been left behind because his partner is expecting a baby.
The Argentinian will play for the reserves next week instead of training in La Manga. The Newcastle squad, including Shearer and Cort, fly out immediately after tomorrow's match
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