THE former Wanderers star whose goals took Newcastle United to their last major trophy more than 30 years ago will be watching Wednesday's Champions League clash with Inter Milan with extra interest.

For Wyn "The Leap" Davies remembers vividly the last time the famous Italian side visited the North-east in what became known as The Battle of St James' Park.

Davies is still Newcastle's top scorer in Europe with 10, one more than Bryan "Pop" Robson, and four more than current Geordie hero Alan Shearer.

It was back in 1970 when Inter came to St James' following a 1-1 draw in the San Siro (Davies scored), and they were intent on stopping the rampant forward line Davies led so powerfully by any means possible.

It got so bad that Lido Vieri, the Inter keeper, punched the refreee in the stomach after he had awarded a free-kick to Davies. Two policeman came onto the field to break up the fight and escort the errant keeper off the field. He was subsequently banned from playing in Italy for three years.

Recalls Davies, who now still lives in the Bolton area: " I was amazed at how physical they were. I can't remember the goalkeeper hitting the referee but I recall Tommy Gibb walking across the half-way line and this fella just hit him one. Dear me. I'd never seen anyone being hit in the face like that. But fair dos to the lads. We didn't retaliate at all."

Newcastle had the last laugh on their Italian opponents, winning 2-0, with Davies scoring again. The previous year they won the Inter Cities Fairs Cup, the last major trophy to grace the cabinet room at St James'.

Davies was a £60,000 signing from Wanderers whose trademark headers earned this remark from colleague Ivor Broadis: "If you could screw studs into his head he would be another George Best."

Davies won't be at St James on Wednesday but his thoughts will be. "On the night and with that crowd you never know. I"m taking Newcastle to win it 2-1 - with a penalty."

And he has a sneaking feeling, Newcastle who only just qualified for the second phase after losing their opening three games might even go all the way. "I might have a couple of bob on that. I'd love to see them in the final at Old Trafford."

This interview appeared in the Independent on Sunday last weekend