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.