Sporting Lisbon v Newcastle

Robert believes the Magpies are not as strong as they were a year ago.

"We've had to take our eyes off the ball because of the selfish attitude of one of our own players," Souness fumed.

"Once again, we've been sidetracked by a selfish player at a time when this club is playing its two most important games for 35 years."

The Magpies are bidding for trophies on two fronts, with a Uefa Cup semi-final spot up for grabs on Thursday and a FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United on Sunday.

Souness added: "That is totally unacceptable, not only for the management team of Newcastle United and its players, but also the supporters.

"These two games are not about Laurent Robert, they are not about Alan Shearer or Graeme Souness either, they are about the cause, and that cause is Newcastle United."

Robert, 29, believes Newcastle's dreams of silverware will turn sour unless they step up their performances.

What Laurent Robert has to do is to look at himself first and if he is not playing well, he should try harder Newcastle manager Graeme Souness

"Are we better this year than last year? No, I don't think so. Are we the same? No, probably worse," he said.

"We have not played well in the last three games. We've been very, very bad. We were awful against Aston Villa and we lost at Tottenham.

"It is difficult to explain why we are playing so badly, but we have to get out of it quickly."

The Frenchman also expressed his frustration at being substituted in the last three games.

But Souness, who has an on-off relationship with the winger, rounded on Robert and pointed to his disappointing display in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.

It's selfish of Laurent to do this and distract us from what could be two of the most important games in living memory - I'm so angered by this - get him out! From Robert Have your say on 606

Souness said: "When Laurent Robert plays like that, he always seems to blame someone else. I mean, was it my fault he played so poorly at Spurs?

"What Laurent Robert has to do is to look at himself first and if he is not playing well, he should try harder."

Robert was unlikely to start in the Uefa Cup anyway, but his comments will have dented his chances of winning a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of next season.