Football: A winger and a prayer; ROBERT & SOUNESS HOPE FEUD IS FINALLY OVER.

Byline: Simon BIRD

LAURENT ROBERT has called a truce with Graeme Souness after months of battling over his work rate.

The French winger is playing for his future at St James' Park and last night admitted he and Souness have "strong personalities" when it comes to discussing his role.

Robert has been the star in three vital wins for United in the last fortnight since his recall, and says he and the manager have finally reached an agreement.

Souness has nagged Robert to work as hard in defence as he does in attack - as did his predecessor Sir Bobby Robson.

The message has got through and Robert has been in fine form - but has been warned he must sustain it especially with the physical approach of Bolton next up tomorrow.

Robert has previously sniped at Souness, questioning his selection and tactics when he spent four games as a substitute. But after creating the winner against Chelsea and the opening goal against Heerenveen, he insists he is back to stay and happy again.

Robert, 29, said: "The manager has a very strong mentality, the same as me. I didn't like the situation before, but now I am playing.

"I am working hard defensively and going forward - we scored two goals against Heerenveen and that's good for everybody.

"The manager has given me the chance in these games and I think I have proved that I am 100 per cent for Newcastle.

"I can still have a future here. I love it, the fans are great, we have a nice stadium and it's a very good club. I would prefer to finish my career at Newcastle.

"I've had four years at Newcastle and every game is important to me. When I play and the team wins then I am happy. It's magnificent to hear the supporters singing my name, and I think they are happy now."

Souness's No.2 Alan Murray admitted: "Things have been said between Laurent and the manager. He is a top class player going forward. But he has to put a shift in when we are defending. He has shown he is capable of it and now he has to sustain it."

Robert's contract is up at the end of next season, meaning he will have to win an extension this summer or be sold so that he can't walk away on a free.

Skipper Alan Shearer is one of the beneficiaries of an in-form Robert who was man of the match against Heerenveen on Thursday.

Shearer said: "Robert gives us width and you can see what a threat he is when he is whipping balls across. Sometimes they are almost impossible to defend."

Shearer says United need to win against Bolton to make the last two weeks a success.

He added: "We were well aware we had four very big games. We have passed the test in three of them. But a bigger test awaits us on Sunday against Bolton.

"They will make it tough for us - they are a physical side. Big Sam's sides are always fired up. They have been in Tenerife all week in the sun and have had a week to prepare so it will be a tougher game than it was against Heerenveen."

CAPTION(S):

FRIENDS UNITED: Grame Souness and Laurent Robert (left) have a mutual admiration society again