The Ronnie tonight reports that Nobby Solano will miss Newcastle United's first three Premiership games of the new season.

The Peruvian winger will not report back until early September because of his country's World Cup qualifiers, ruling him out of the games against Manchester United, Derby County and Spurs.

Bobby Robson today confirmed that Solano will play a full part in Peru's qualification campaign - and there's nothing the club can do about it. Robson said: "We're not expecting Solano back until early September - he's got World Cup qualifiers and we've got no option. Solano played last month, he's playing this month, he's playing next month. We're not very happy about it but what can we do. It's FIFA-controlled and the country insists that Solano goes there."

With Solano having already taken part in one qualifier, Peru's defeat against Ecuador, the player will not have had a break from the game as the club would have hoped. Instead he will arrive back at the club's Chester-le-Street training ground exhausted from a hectic summer.

-- Anonymous, July 17, 2000

Answers

Bit of a b*gg*r that. I know we were told to expect it, but it makes playing to a style a bit more difficult. Come on in Gav(ilan) your time is up. Or perhaps LKD will play oot wide?

-- Anonymous, July 17, 2000

To be honest Screacher, I'd like to see BR set out his stall to play without Solano for the entire first half of the season - for precisely the reason you outline. I wouldn't like to see the team chopped and changed just to accomodate him every time he returns. I'd put him on the bench unless, of course, he was needed due to injuries.

-- Anonymous, July 17, 2000

Yeah, I think we should work to a plan of not having him around. Then, if we do well, he could perhaps be regarded as surplus to requirements.

That's the major worry I have about buying S Americans. I know we have a clause for Gavilan whereby he isn't to be considered for internationals (unless I guess NUFC agree), but I believe this may only be for the first year. What happens after that of he is a great success? He's gonna want to be part of the international scene - not surprising as it will increase his potential marketablity (and hence remuneration). I don't know about Bassedas.

-- Anonymous, July 17, 2000

Why is it that poor old NUFC have "no option" but to release Nobby for every Peru fixture ? How many WC qualifying games has Harry Kewell played for Australia since signing for Leeds ? How many times has Taggart pulled the plug on his "injured" players turning out in internationals, only for them to be mysteriously cleared to play in their next PL match ? Isn't this the same Peru who played Nobby half- fit last season and sent him back knackered ? No prizes for guessing who are the soft touches yet again.

-- Anonymous, July 20, 2000