ROBERT Lee yesterday hinted that the worst could soon be over for beleaguered Newcastle boss Bobby Robson.

Lee, out for the last six matches with hamstring trouble, is ready to give Robson a timely boost by declaring himself available for selection at Leeds tomorrow.

The former England midfielder insisted: "When we get everybody fit you'll see the real Newcastle."

Robson has been rocked by one blow after another this season, culminating in Wednesday night's untimely FA Cup exit at Aston Villa.

Newcastle are counting the estimated £3m cost of their early departure from the competition after being beaten away from Wembley for the first time in four years.

The hard-up club would certainly have benefited from a fourth successive lucrative FA Cup run after twice reaching the final and getting to the semis at Wembley last year.

But Lee believes there is still plenty to play for and argues with the merchants of doom who have suggested that the season on Tyneside is effectively over.

"Considering the injuries we have had to key players I think we have done really well to stay up there in the top half of the table," he said.

"And there is no doubt that when we get all those key players back we will have a decent team.

"Kieron Dyer is playing the best football of his career and losing him through suspension is a major blow. We will also benefit from the return of Alan Shearer and Carl Cort.

"The gaffer has had to juggle things around, and even though it was disappointing to go out of the cup it was always going to be a tough struggle at Villa with the players we had out.

"It'll be tough in our next few games as well with trips to Leeds, Chelsea and Charlton.

"But things were a lot worse last season. We really were on the edge then until the last few weeks. We are certainly not going down this time. And while you can only make statements about Europe when you have a full squad, I do believe we still have a lot to play for."

Midfielder Cristian Bassedas is only one booking away from a ban following his fourth caution, for handball, at Villa Park.

But Newcastle hope that Cort will be back in two weeks and Shearer is making remarkable progress in his comeback from knee surgery.

The former England skipper could now return before the end of February, virtually a month ahead of schedule.

Lee said: "Everybody knows that Alan is a quick healer and talk of him coming back in little more than a month from now is not unrealistic.

"But there is no need to put any pressure on him and if we could get Carl back that would certainly ease the situation."

Lee is back in full training after his pre-Christmas hamstring injury.

"I am ready to play and I would like to play at Leeds," he said.

Robson is also boosted by the return of Nolberto Solano, who scored the winner at Leeds two years ago.

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