Soccer: Robson keeps Acuna on Tyneside

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson has refused midfielder Clarence Acuna permission to play for Chile in next week's World Cup qualifier against Peru.

While Nolberto Solano will jet across the Atlantic to mark his return to the Peruvian international fold, there will be no midfield battle with his United colleague.

Robson revealed that Acuna committed himself to club football when he joined the Magpies in the autumn.

And with the March 27 clash coming just days before Newcastle's Premiership game at Bradford City, Robson has told Acuna he must remain on Tyneside.

"I have told Clarence that from my point of view, he is not going to play in that match," he told the club's official website.

"I am not against anyone having the desire to play for their country but this case is different.

"When Clarence signed for Newcastle United he also signed a document to the effect that he was giving up international football. I am simply tying him to that."