Robert will not be handed Toon lifeline

LAURENT ROBERT will not be handed a lifeline at Newcastle following the latest chapter of his controversial career.

Robert, on a season-long loan with Portsmouth, returned to the north-east at the weekend for Saturday’s clash against relegation rivals Sunderland.

But after being informed by manager Alain Perrin he would be starting on the bench, the temperamental French winger complained of a hamstring problem and asked to sit out the 4-1 victory.

That infuriated Perrin, who was forced to go into the match with just four substitutes after Salif Diao failed a late fitness test.

The 30-year-old was fined two weeks’ wages and forced to issue a groveling apology to Perrin, chairman Milan Mandaric and the fans.

It has been suggested Portsmouth would like Robert to return to St James’ Park but that avenue has been conclusively blocked by chairman Freddy Shepherd. Robert burned his bridges with United last season, and in particular manager Graeme Souness, due to his outspoken views.

Shepherd, speaking in the Newcastle Chronicle, said: “When Portsmouth signed Robert from us it was on a permanent loan deal until the end of the season, and a deal which will see him stay there after that is all done and dusted as far as we are concerned.”