Newcastle boss Bobby Robson is facing a major injury crisis just days into the new Premiership season. United picked up their first victory of the campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Derby at St James' Park - but the success came at a price.

Striker Carl Cort limped off with a hamstring problem less than half an hour after opening his Newcastle account with a fourth-minute header, and central defender Nicos Dabizas followed him with a wrenched knee before the break.

With defenders Marcelino, who is out for three weeks after having surgery on a snapped finger tendon, and Andy Griffin missing, as well as midfielders Rob Lee and Stuart Green and striker Kevin Gallacher, Robson's resources were severely stretched even before full-back Warren Barton earned himself a suspension after being sent-off for a professional foul 12 minutes from time.

"We had five players injured already, two more tonight and one sent off, so we're getting thin," he admitted. "Cort has a lower hamstring problem and Dabizas has a suspected cartilage injury, so they're both extremely doubtful for the weekend.

Marcelino has had an operation on his finger because I thought we'd be all right without him, but we only have three defenders at the moment.

It means that any move for Laurent Charvet is obviously on hold. He will not be allowed to leave in the present situation. He's now vital to us."

The aftermath of the season's opening victory was the last thing Robson needed with Spurs heading for St James' Park on Saturday, but he can at least reflect upon a successful outcome in the first game at the newly-refurbished stadium.

A crowd of 51,327 - a record for the Tyneside venue in the all-seater era - saw Newcastle at times struggle to overcome a Derby side which went in level at the break after Branko Strupar cancelled out Cort's opener.

Argentinian Daniel Cordone put the home side back in front within 36 seconds of the restart and Stephen Glass looked to have wrapped things up with a beautifully-taken third on 54 minutes, but Barton's departure for a tug on Deon Burton's shirt, coupled with Seth Johnson's late strike, ensured a tens finish.

On a night when the result was more important than the performance, Robson was delighted with the efforts of England midfielder Kieron Dyer, who was asked to play a more workmanlike role than ususal, and did so to good effect just hours after dashing any hopes Arsenal had of luring him south. "He's got this terrific little engine," said Robson. "I don't know where he gets his petrol from - I could do with some of that. The one thing which you look for in a player is ability on the ball and he has that, but he showed the other side of his game, the running and the energy level that you require to press the ball when you defend. He was all over the pitch. He was marvellous."

-- Anonymous, August 24, 2000

Answers

"Charvet is now vital to us."

They think it's all over .... it is now !

:O)

-- Anonymous, August 24, 2000

Hopefully Giffin will be fit enough to repace Warren when he is suspended, but Warren must be available for Saturday isn't he? Whilst the injury to Dabizas is worrying considering the lack of cover, I believe it may offer us a bit of stability at the back with Hughes and Goma.

For Saturday, hughes will have to watch Rebrov and Goma may have to out hassle Ferdinand, which may be worrying. Domi must stay left back.

-- Anonymous, August 24, 2000

Barton will be available for the Spurs match. However, Charvet is now the only experienced defender covering Barton, Goma, and Hughes. The only fit cover for Domi at LB is Cerrant, or Hughes of course.

Here we go again - surely this is the right time to bring in another CB?

-- Anonymous, August 24, 2000

I think he'll have to now. I noticed on the web yesterday, although it may have been Teamtalk, that Bobby is interested in Barnsley's highy rated yound CB named Morgan. With Brady destined to signed for Barnsley soon, this deal may be a reality.

Otherwise it may be an unknown name but judging on YBR's signings so far he should get a good deal for a good player.

-- Anonymous, August 24, 2000

This lad looks very good though!

Alain Goma Club: Newcastle United Shirt Number: 5 Position: Defender Date of Birth: October 5, 1972 Birthplace: Sault, Fance Height: 6'0"

Profile:

French international centre-half who made his Newcastle debut at the start of the 1999/2000 season but has since suffered injury problems. Assured player expected to be a regular part of the French squad and boasting excellent positional sense and strength.

-- Anonymous, August 24, 2000