Robson dismisses row over Bellamy

The Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson has denied accusations he is involved in a club versus country dispute with Wales over striker Craig Bellamy.

Mark Hughes' side won 2-0 in Azerbaijan yesterday while Bellamy continued his rehabilitation from a knee injury. Robson withdrew the 23-year-old on the advice of an American specialist, Richard Steadman, who insisted he plays just one game a week in the short-term.

Bellamy suffered a slight reaction after taking Newcastle into the next round of the Champions' League last week by scoring a late winner against Feyenoord. After consultation with Bellamy, Hughes, the United chairman Freddy Shepherd and the club's medical staff, the decision to withdraw the player was taken.

Robson, who is due to receive his knighthood today from the Prince of Wales on behalf of the Queen at Buckingham Palace, revealed Newcastle have received a series of faxes from angry Welsh fans, but said the move was in the best interests of the player, his club and his country.

"I keep reading in the papers about this club v country clash with Newcastle United and Wales – there is no club v country clash with Newcastle United and any country," he said. "Is Nikos Dabizas away? Is Hugo Viana away? Is Kieron Dyer away? Is Shola Ameobi away? Is Jermaine Jenas away? Is Shay Given away? The debate is not club v country, it's fitness against selection. If a guy's not fit, therefore he can't be up for selection."

Robson added: "We've had some unbelievably rude faxes from people, and I understand their frustration, but they don't know the facts."