part 1Newcastle boss challenges strikers to prove their point BOBBY Robson has thrown down the gauntlet to his strikers, challenging them to convince him they are the one to partner Alan Shearer in Newcastle's Premiership goal quest this season.

After the summer acquisitions of Carl Cort and Daniel Cordone, the Tyneside club now boast a quartet of forwards able to play alongside the Newcastle captain when the new campaign is launched in less than four weeks.

Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Gallacher complete the list of front men Robson has at his disposal to provide the goals to fire the club's challenge in the Premiership, where strength in depth in attack has now become a prerequisite for success.

Cordone and Cort led the line in the opening game of the club's pre season tour to the United States against Washington DC United on Saturday night and Shearer entered the fray from the bench, having launched his build-up a week behind the rest of the squad.

Shearer will do the same against Columbus Crew tomorrow night when Ferguson, the only striker not to have figured so far, is expected to be given an opportunity to push his claims after overcoming a stomach bug.

Shearer, who enjoys playing alongside a target man, linked up effectively in a much-heralded #23m strike partnership with Ferguson last season until the Scot was sidelined by injury.

But, having spent #11m on Cort and Cordone and with Gallacher also keen to impress, Robson has several options available and will use the pre-season schedule to make his final decision.

"The team certainly doesn't pick itself, I've got a nice selection problem up front," said Robson.

"We have four strikers and that's what I wanted, they'll have to fight for a place.

"If you look at the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, they all have competition amongst strikers, which is crucial.

"You never rule anything out, but I would be happy going into the new season with what I've got playing- wise, although we are always on the look-out if the right deal comes along. I'm happy though that I've got good cover in all areas."

Newcastle, who trained twice in Washington yesterday, jet out to Ohio later today for the second and final game of the tour against Columbus.

Robson admits he has been impressed by all his strikers so far and will face a tough decision on who partners his captain.

The manager, who may even choose to play Shearer as a lone striker against Manchester United in the Premiership opener on August 20, added: "Cordone is impressive and positive and has given us a new dimension. He can play anywhere along the front.

"Gallacher is as honest as the day is long, he's been a tremendous signing and hasn't given me a moment's trouble since he arrived.

"Ferguson has looked awesome in training so far and I like Cort a lot, he has a very bright future ahead of him with this club, so I have plenty of options."

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2000

Answers

part 2

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2000

woopsCordone gets off mark and pledges more goals will follow NEW boy Daniel Cordone opened Newcastle United's account for the season and pledged: "I am hoping this will be the first of many goals for the club."

His consolation goal apart, the Argentinian's showing was the highlight of a rather disappointing United performance as they were beaten 3-1 by bottom MLS club Washington DC at the RFK Stadium.

And certainly Cordone, who has only cost #500,000, gave Bobby Robson notice that he is aiming to fight the #15 million pair of Duncan Ferguson and Carl Cort for the right to partner Alan Shearer.

Added Cordone: "It was nice to score on my debut but not so nice that we did not win.

"I thought my goal would have put us back into the game but unfortunately this did not turn out to be the case.

"I feel that I am settling in more and more each day and I am getting to know the United players more all the time."

Judging by his performance at the RFK Stadium United look as though they could well have picked up a snip in Cordone.

Certainly Freddie Shepherd is happy with the deal United have worked out.

The United chairman explained: "We have paid Racing Club of Buenos Aires #500,000 for Cordone until the end of the season.

"But despite reports saying that he is on loan, this is not the case because we have an option on him for another couple of seasons at no extra cost to us."

Meanwhile Robson expects Steve Howey and Robert Lee to be free from injury for Wednesday's second friendly against Columbus Crew in Ohio.

Duncan Ferguson should also be ready after not being risked on Saturday night because he was feeling under the weather.

And this will leave Didier Domi, who has been experiencing chest pains, as the only United player not ready for action.

But skipper Alan Shearer, a substitute for Cort midway through the second half on Saturday night, will again start on the subs' bench on Wednesday.

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2000

and lastly BOBBY Robson watched his big money summer buy Carl Cort in action for the first time and declared "We like him very much."

But with Saturday's game coming too early for Alan Shearer and Duncan Ferguson, the #7m buy from Wimbledon was pressed into action against DC United despite having a huge blister on his foot.

But if as expected Ferguson, who was feeling under the weather, returns for Wednesday's game with Columbus Crew in Ohio, then Cort will watch from the sidelines.

Said Robson: "To be fair, the lad did well to play for us because his blister was very painful but he went out there and did the business and we liked what we saw of him.

"He has a lovely touch for such a big player and we are happy at the way things are going for him."

Robson started all his three summer signings against Washington - Cort, Christian Bassedas and Daniel Cordone.

Added the United boss: "Christian is a clever little player. He's neat and tidy and can thread the ball through the smallest of spaces.

"He's a good passer and this is something we have needed for a while."

However, while the #7m Cort and #3.5m Bassedas eased themselves in gently, the #500,000 Cordone stole the show.

"He's aggressive and goes at people and he aims to win a place in the side quite soon," said Robson.

"He will give us a dimension we never really had last season and he can play anywhere along the front line.

"He will score better goals for us but he's a personality and I am sure our crowd are going to love him."

Newcastle: Given (Harper 45), Barton (Griffin 45), Hughes, Dabizas, Goma, Gallacher (Glass 45), McClen (Dyer 45), Speed (Gavilan 45), Bassedas (Kerr 76), Cort (Shearer 73), Cordone.

Goals: Washington DC: Moreno (28 mins), Llamosa (33 mins), Marino (50 mins).

Newcastle: Cordone (65 mins).

Attendance: 17,610.

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2000

>>But, having spent #11m on Cort and Cordone .........

When I was at school #7m + #500,000 came to #7,500,000. Inflation or lazy journalism?!

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2000

How about - Cordone, Cort AND Bassedas for #11mm?

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2000