Robson fired up

Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson refuses to worry despite a series of setbacks.

Lee Bowyer has been ruled out of another six European games after a mix-up with UEFA, Alan Shearer criticised Robson's decision to leave him out the UEFA Cup clash with Valerenga and a string of late equalisers have cost Newcastle vital Premiership points.

But Robson insists he knows what he is doing as his side prepare for tonight's home leg with Valerenga, with the tie level at 1-1.

"I've been a firefighter here, putting damp squibs out every week," he said. "I carry a big sack of water on my back and I keep replenishing it."

Shearer is certain to start but Kieron Dyer, Darren Ambrose and Olivier Bernard are out.