BOBBY ROBSON is back where he started as Newcastle boss tonight, urging his players to put an end to their capital punishment at the expense of bogey side Chelsea.

United have failed to win in 22 visits to London since they beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in November 1997 with goals from long-departed duo Jon Dahl Tomasson and Temur Ketsbaia.

But Chelsea's hold over the Magpies extends both north and south, with United seeking their first success against the Blues in seven meetings.

United lost four of the last six encounters, including a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge last season in Robson's first game.

This season, all three of United's Premiership visits to London clubs - West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham - have already ended in defeat.

Two of those trips - Arsenal (5-0) and Spurs (4-2) - were resounding setbacks for Robson's side and the manager admitted: "If we can win at Chelsea, it will be a deed well done.

"Generally speaking, you're facing good teams when you go to London. It's never easy at West Ham and in Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, you're going to big clubs.

"But the thing is not to be afraid and take the initiative if you can.

"Chelsea is back where I started here. We've come a long way - I've made some decisions since then I can tell you!

"We going back in much better shape than we were then. It was all in front of me then, but it's a bit behind me now.

"We're above Chelsea in the league which wasn't the case the last time we were there, because we were bottom.''

As if the defeat wasn't bad enough, Kieron Dyer and Nolberto Solano were sent off against Spurs on United's last appearance in London.

"Dyer cost us dearly,'' rapped Robson. "If he'd been in the team at Aston Villa, we might still be in the FA Cup.

"His dismissal cost us the match at Tottenham and the fact he couldn't play at Villa was most unhelpful - and we told him that.''

England midfielder Dyer is set to return for his first game in two-and-a-half weeks after serving a two-match ban for foul and abusive language - and being cleared to play on despite a shin-splint scare.

A specialist allayed fears that Dyer could need surgery and Robson yesterday admitted: "At one time, there was a suspicion of a stress fracture.

"That would have meant eight to 12 weeks out and it would have killed his season.

"But he had a scan and we're happy that it only showed a cyst forming. He's on a double dose of asprin every day to kill the pain and apparently it's the best treatment you can have for that type of injury.

"He had two weeks' rest and trained on Monday and today without any reaction. He looks fine and sharp and the doctor has told him to go ahead and play.''

Midfielder Robert Lee, who made a magnificent comeback after hamstring trouble in the 3-1 victory at Leeds 11 days ago, will undergo a fitness test today after picking up a groin niggle.

Jamie McClen, who hasn't started a first-team game for over 16 months, is on stand-by but Robson stressed: "Rob is hopeful he'll be okay.

"He's had a scan and there was no tear or bleeding. He just felt a jolt in the groin area. He hasn't trained today, but he's travelling.''

McClen, 21, was loaned to Motherwell this season but couldn't play because of injury. Robson said: "He's a good little boy and a Geordie, and he's with us as cover for Rob. It's a big chance for him.''

Kevin Gallacher is ruled out with a virus, only two games into his comeback from a near-three-month hamstring injury.

Newcastle (from): Given, Barton, Goma, Hughes, Quinn, Griffin, Solano, Acuna, Lee, Speed, Bassedas, Dyer, Ameobi, Lualua, Cordone, McClen, Marcelino, Karelse.

Robson had words of encouragement for Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri. The Italian, who has only a rudimentary grasp of English, has taken flak since replacing sacked countryman Gianluca Vialli.

But Robson, who had spells in Holland, Portugal and Spain, said: "I've managed abroad, so I knew it would be difficult for him.

"I could speak English in Holland, but it was a different kettle of fish in Portugal and Spain. I had to use an interpreter and sometimes things get lost in translation.

"So Ranieri has done remarkably well in coming into a big club where there is a lot of pressure. People have tried to make fun of him and I don't like that because I've been in that position.''

Meanwhile, Robson confirmed that strike duo Alan Shearer and Carl Cort are making steady progress in their recovery from long-term injuries.

"Alan is three weeks ahead of schedule,'' said Robson. "He's set his sights firmly on the home game against Manchester City, which is three-and-a-half weeks away, and I don't think Carl will be far behind him.

"We're trying to get them working in tandem. Alan is motivating Carl to try to stay with him.''