ANDY GRIFFIN last night revealed he was close to quitting Newcastle United after failing to become a first-team regular.

The uncompromising right-back has suddenly found himself taking on football giants from home and abroad after being given a new lease of life by manager Sir Bobby Robson.

It will be five years in January since Griffin joined the Magpies in a £1.5m deal from Stoke City, and his opportunities in the top-flight have been few and far between.

But now the former England Under-21 international is beginning to find his feet at St James' Park and he is expected to start his sixth consecutive game against West Brom this afternoon.

Griffin admitted: "I did think about leaving. Sometimes I was not even named in the squad.

"The team was doing well and they did not need me. Aaron Hughes did exceptionally well at right-back last season.

"But I always said to myself if it does not work out at Newcastle at least give it 100 per cent and that's what I've done.

"Now I'm going to take every game as it comes and if I can play week in and week out there's no better place to be than Newcastle.

"Newcastle are up there with the likes of Arsenal and Man United in terms of playing football and if I can get in the starting 11 week in and week out then I will be delighted."

The 23-year-old, who has only made 38 League appearances for Newcastle, has already worked under three managers on Tyneside - Ruud Gullit, Kenny Dalglish and Robson.

And he admits being on the fringes of the Newcastle first team led to him taking his frustrations home after finishing on the training ground.

"Not being in has made me stronger for the times ahead and it's how you cope with the downside of things that helps you get over those," he said.

"I took the troubles home with me when I was not playing but that's the first time that's ever happened.

"I did do that but I'm young and I'm still learning. At least now I will have learned how to handle not playing.

"But it's fantastic to be back in the side. I have waited a long time to get in the team and I don't intend to give up my place easily."

Meanwhile, after playing his part in the Stadio Delle Alpi against Juventus on Tuesday, Griffin is now focusing on the Baggies today.

Three points against Gary Megson's men will carry on Newcasle's recent good domestic form - they have beaten Birmingham and Sunderland in their last two outings.

But Griffin believes the Premiership newcomers will prove a difficult hurdle to overcome.

"It's a very, very important game for us," said Griffin. "I don't mean to be disrespectful but we are not playing Manchester United and we have to pick up the points.

"We are very focused on that. We need to pick up as many points as we can and try to force our way into third or fourth place as quickly as possible.

"Last year we picked up points against so-called lesser opposition, like the Charltons of this League. That's what we have to do again.

"Already this season we have not picked up points in a few of games, like at Man City. A team like Newcastle United are expected to win games like this.

"But there are no easy games. I would rather be playing West Brom than Man United side but they are very physical and a hard-working team."

Goalkeeper Joe Murphy will come face to face with his hero when West Brom travel to Newcastle looking to avoid a fourth successive defeat.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international has seen his route to a senior call-up blocked by Newcastle number one Shay Given, although Murphy has nothing but admiration for his country's leading shot-stopper.

''He has been my hero for a long time,'' said Murphy. ''But there are a lot of very good young keepers coming through the ranks and I know I face a fight if I want to win his jersey.''

Murphy fancies his chances of catching Republic boss Mick McCarthy's eye should he face an Alan Shearer penalty at St James' Park.

The 21-year-old has a good record when it comes to penalties and announced his arrival as a professional by saving a spot-kick as an 18-year-old on his Tranmere debut.

That form has translated to the Premiership and he denied England striker Michael Owen from the spot during West Brom's defeat by Liverpool at Anfield.

"I have probably stopped three or four and conceded three or four,'' said the £600,000 signing. ''The odds are on the penalty taker but there's always a chance the keeper will guess right."

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