Robson looks to extend cup run

Bobby Robson has spent much of his managerial career trying, and in many cases succeeding, to make the impossible possible.

Bobby Robson has spent much of his managerial career trying, and in many cases succeeding, to make the impossible possible.

But the 67-year-old left St James' Park on Sunday night knowing that he faces an uphill task if he is to guide his side through to the FA Cup fourth round.

Newcastle have not lost a tie away from Wembley in the last four seasons, although they came perilously close at the weekend as Nolberto Solano booked a replay with Aston Villa just 10 minutes from time.

A trip to Villa Park is no easy test at the best of times, but Robson and his players will head for the Midlands with their ranks more thoroughly depleted than ever.

With Alan Shearer, Rob Lee, Carl Cort, Kevin Gallacher and Nicos Dabizas all still likely to be on the injured list, United could have done without the disciplinary bans which Kieron Dyer and Solano both start a day earlier after being sent off at Tottenham last week.

And with influential midfielder Gary Speed running on empty after a gruelling holiday schedule, the cupboard is increasingly bare.

However, while Robson knows he will have to do without some of his senior players - several of them for a considerable time - he can at least comfort himself in the knowledge that the youngsters who will eventually replace them are blossoming.

Northern Ireland defender Aaron Hughes and England Under-21 international Andy Griffin have blended into the side so well in recent months that it is easy to forget their tender years, and while 19-year-old Shola Ameobi knows he still has a lot to learn, he is already earning the plaudits of his manager.

Hughes in particular has caught the eye after taking up the challenge presented him to Robson before his first match in charge at St James', a game in which he scored the opening goal in a remarkable 8-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

"Things changed for me before the Sheffield Wednesday game last season," admitted Hughes.

"Bobby Robson was thinking about bringing in a new defender and he came up to me and asked me whether I thought we needed someone.

"I have never lacked confidence, but that gave me the spur to prove that I could do the job. He has the knack of giving you that extra boost, and since then I've never looked back.

"Players like Warren Barton and Gary Speed are always making sure that you're on your toes and giving you good advice.

"But the thing about this game is that you don't just pick up things from the senior players. I've also learned from Andy Griffin.

"I'm 21, but I will still be learning at 31. In football, you never stop learning."

Newcastle have inevitably been diminished by the loss of important players, but they have made up for that with some spirited displays, in particular those against Leeds United and Manchester United over Christmas which saw them reap four points from a possible six.

However, they have had to fight hard in each of their last three home games to come from behind, and they were at full stretch on Sunday to keep their FA Cup dream alive by the skin of their teeth.

"I think our decent home run can be put down to determination and camaraderie," said Hughes.

"All the players get on and in the last three home games, that has allowed us to bounce back after going a goal down.

"We've bounced back from bad results this season, like against Arsenal and Sunderland, which was definitely the lowest point of the season. We have a determination to put things right."

Gallacher was due to return to full training today, while Cort could be just a fortnight away from playing after undergoing surgery on his hamstring injury.

Lee, who also has a hamstring problem, will not be risked against Coventry at the weekend, and even the cup replay could come too soon.

However, Sheffield United wing-back Wayne Quinn has started a month's loan on Tyneside with a view to making a permanent move, and he will be out to impress Robson as he looks to plug the gap left by missing Frenchman Didier Domi.

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