We can still win it, says Robson

Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer insisted Newcastle can still reach their first European final for 35 years, despite drawing 0-0 at home to Marseille last night.

Injury-hit Newcastle were left to rue a series of missed chances in the UEFA Cup semi-final first leg and face a tough assignment in the Stade Velodrome in a fortnight.

But Robson praised his makeshift side, saying: 'We think we can win this. Marseille are not favourites. We will not be afraid as long as we don't get any more injuries.'

Robson, who does not expect the injured Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer or Jermaine Jenas to be fit for the return leg, added: 'We reduced them to very few chances and if they celebrated at the final whistle, that is up to them. We know we can go there and give them as difficult a game as they have given us. This is not a bad result for us.'

Skipper Shearer agreed, saying:'We set out to make sure we didn't concede a goal and we haven't. We always fancy ourselves to score a goal away from home, so we're still in it.

'We were down to the bare bones tonight, but players came in and showed what they can do. It was a very mature European performance.'

Shola Ameobi and Gary Speed both had good chances for Newcastle, although the home side had a lucky escape when Didier Drogba's volley hit the post.

Marseille boss Jose Anigo said: 'I have to be optimistic but we have to put the chances away. There is still a game to be played but 0-0 is a good result for the visiting team. 'I cannot criticise any of my players. The defence was solid.