Newcastle manager Bobby Robson yesterday cleared the way for Des Hamilton to move to Tranmere Rovers.

Robson gave Tranmere permission to play the midfielder in their reserves against Stockport County last night.

And Rovers manager John Aldridge is poised to push through a loan deal if 24-year-old Hamilton proves he is match fit.

Aldridge will ask to keep Hamilton until the end of the season as Rovers battle to stave off the threat of relegation. Hamilton, also a target for Sheffield Wednesday, was loaned to Tranmere earlier this season, but returned to Newcastle after he was injured in a Worthington Cup tie against Leeds.

Aldridge, impressed by the form of the former Sheffield United player during his three-match stay, has monitored his progress for the past two months in the hope of signing him again.

Robson has made it clear that Hamilton doesn't figure in his plans and didn't even involve him in the first team during the club's recent injury crisis.

Robson finally received some good news on the injury front yesterday, with striker Kevin Gallacher returning to training after being out for three months with a calf injury.

The Scottish international is unlikely to play against Coventry on Saturday, but could be among the substitutes.

Keeper Shay Given will be told before the game that Robson has turned down his surprise transfer request.

Given is unhappy about losing his place to Steve Harper, who will continue against Coventry.

* Robson's scouts are making regular checks on Workington's 17-year-old defender Andrew Jones.