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Newcastle boss Bobby Robson is facing a tough dilemma over whether to allow Welsh striker Craig Bellamy to report for international duty next week.

Bellamy scored twice on his comeback from a knee injury against Feyenoord on Wednesday to send the Magpies into the second phase of the Champions League.

Newcastle go through

But his superb return has prompted a renewed club versus country dilemma over the player ahead of Newcastle's Premiership date with Southampton on Saturday.

We are torn between helping Wales and looking after our own interests

Bobby Robson

Wales travel to Azerbaijan for a European Championship qualifier next Wednesday, but Bellamy has been advised to only play one game per week after knee surgery.

"We have waited patiently for Craig and spent a lot of money on him to get him right," Robson told Radio Newcastle.

"He responded to that quite magnificently on Wednesday but we have to take care of the boy.

"The advice we have been given is that he should play one game per week until it has settled down and Craig is sure about it.

"I have to make a decision for Saturday's game with Southampton, and it could be we think of using him as a substitute.

"We have warned the Welsh FA about his situation and we wouldn't expect him to travel or to play next Wednesday in all honesty. That would be my feeling."

Bobby Robson watches from the dug-out against Feyenoord
Robson has to manage Bellamy's involvement carefully
Robson has one eye on Newcastle's next Premeriship match against Manchester United the following weekend, for which he wants Bellamy to be available.

"The Manchester game is a terrific one for us and that is one our surgeon says he can play in, and we would want him to play in.

"I know Wales are playing a competitive match so we are torn between helping them and looking after our own interests as well."

Doubts over Wales fixture

Robson reported that Bellamy suffered no ill effects from his exploits in Rotterdam, but insisted the player will need to be managed carefully over the next month.

"I have spoken to Craig and there is no inflammation and it is pain-free, which is a relief," Robson added.

"We just have to look after him and plan a schedule of matches that he is going to enjoy playing in and be able to get through until the knee is sound enough to maybe get a bit more out of him."