Newcastle boosted by Bellamy

Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy gave team morale a lift this afternoon when he boarded the plane for Palma with a chance of playing in Thursday night’s UEFA Cup fourth round, second leg clash with Real Mallorca.

The Welshman, who missed Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Charlton with a hamstring injury, has a chance of making the starting 11, although Shola Ameobi remains on standby after impressing against Alan Curbishley’s side.

However midfielder Kieron Dyer, fullback Aaron Hughes and striker Michael Bridges have been left behind as they continue to fight their own injury problems.

“We’ve left Dyer out, we’ve left Bridges out, we’ve left Hughes out, but we’ve brought Bellamy who has a chance,” said manager Sir Bobby Robson.

“It’s not 100% guaranteed, but he’s on the plane which means there’s a great chance that he could be available.”