SIR BOBBY ROBSON admitted Shay Given could have seen red in the first half of last night's UEFA Cup victory over FC Basel.

Danish referee Knud Erik Fisker booked Mario Cantaluppi after 27 minutes for diving after Given appeared to bring down the midfielder inside the penalty area.

A spot-kick would have given the Swiss champions the lifeline they needed in the second leg, as they were 4-2 behind on aggregate.

And Robson, who takes his side to Wolves for a 12.30pm kick-off tomorrow, said: "It was questionable. It might have been a decision which went our way, but I would have to see it again on TV replays before I make up my mind conclusively."

Basel boss Christian Gross refused to blame Mr Fisker for his side's defeat at St. James' Park.

Gross said: "It was difficult to see from my position. If it's not a penalty then my player should score, it was easier to do that."

Robson, though, was more than content after watching his side progress to the third round of the competition - which will be drawn on December 12 - even though Newcastle were never in complete control against Basel.

"It's job done. The objective was to get through and we have done just that. It's sometimes not going to be exotic," said Robson, whose side do not play in the UEFA Cup again until February 26.

"Our opinion of that team was that they were going to give us two difficult games and we have been the better team over the two matches. It's fine.

"They were a pretty good side and we had to defend well. They would be a decent Premiership team and we are through."

Newcastle will now be joined in the next round by many of the Champions League losers.

And Robson, who revealed centre-back Andy O'Brien came out for the second half last night despite vomiting in the dressing room, insists his players will not be expecting to win the UEFA Cup.

"We will be one of the favourites, but I wouldn't say we are the favourites. Why put pressure on yourself?" he said.

"There will be some good teams coming into this now from the Champions League. The competition gets stronger now. The teams that are left are stronger."

Meanwhile, former Tottenham manager Gross was annoyed his side missed a number of chances against Newcastle, he said: "We are disappointed because we did have opportunities but really it was because we lost at home in the first leg.

"Normally we would have scored on another night, unfortunately we couldn't. Given was excellent.

"You can't be the better side when you lose. We made mistakes but we have some young players and it is a decent performance from many of our players.

"Newcastle, with Shearer and Ameobi up front, are always dangerous and Dyer is a threat. They will need a bit of luck to win this competition though."

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