By Matthew Jones
December 23 2002

Sir Bobby Robson has said that he still wants to keep Greek defender Nikos Dabizas at Newcastle. He has lost his place in recent weeks, and is upset about it but Robson says that he could play tomorrow if O'Brein gets injured. Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson has insisted that he does want to hold onto Greek defender Nikos Dabizas.

The experienced centre-half has lost his first team place in recent weeks and Robson said, I" still like Nikos Dabizas. He's still a very good player and it's not the end of the road for him here by any means.

"He's unhappy about the situation, which I would expect. He's upset and saying: 'It's the first time this has ever happened to me'.

"But he's still a very good player and I'd still stick him in tomorrow if Andy O'Brien got injured."

Robson added: "Nikos has to understand that what I am trying to do is look at Steve (Caldwell) in a first-team environment and ask: 'Is he going to save us money?' At the moment, Steve has not let us down."

Something else to report on - Sir Bobby Robson has been linked with Aston Villa midfielder Hassan Kachloul.

The Moroccan international is expected to be handed a free transfer in January after failing to make a first team impact at Villa since Graham Taylor's arrival.

Charlton Athletic are also keen on the former Southampton star, who insists he has a future in England.