NEWCASTLE United manager Bobby Robson is hoping wingers Nolberto Solano and Laurent Robert make a quick return to form against Everton this afternoon.

The Magpies boss, who was criticised by Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle after last week's 2-0 defeat for playing the wrong system, insists that the pair's poor performance was to blame for the defeat.

And Robson, who leads his side to Goodison Park today, indicated that he is keen for both Solano and Robert to bounce back with an impressive showing against the Toffeemen.

"Nobby is a proven international, he's a top player," said Robson. "On Sunday he did not have one of his best games and Nobby understands that.

"Laurent has been exceptional since he came here in the summer but he too was not doing the things he is good at.

"They know they are better players than that performance and I'm sure that the Tottenham game was just a one off."

Robson is likely to stick by Robert and Solano, despite the opportunity to give Lomana Lualua a rare start.

The 20-year-old replaced Solano at St James' Park six days ago and was impressive when he gave Spurs defender Mauricio Taricco a hard time.

But despite the youngster's gradual emergence, Robson believes it may be too soon to include Lualua in the starting 11.

"Lomana has been showing good form in training," said Robson. "He is continuing to develop and he has tremendous potential. We will not be afraid to use him."

Robson, still without Robert Lee today after the midfielder picked up a back injury in training on Wednesday, knows that all of his players will have to be on their guard against an Everton team who have surprised a few cynics this season.

Last weekend they brought Aston Villa's unbeaten run to an end and they smashed five past West Ham in September.

And with the Merseysiders having four former Newcastle stars on their books, Robson thinks that Walter Smith's men will be more than up for entertaining the Toon Army.

But it is one Geordie in particular who he hopes will be entering the fray - Paul Gascoigne.

Gascoigne has just returned from his latest injury set-back and is likely to be included on the bench.

And former England manager Robson still holds fond memories of the midfielder he selected to go to the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

"Gazza was a lovely kid and nobody loved him more than me," said the 68-year-old, who guided the national team to the semi-finals that year. "I tried to teach him the game and he was brilliant in that World Cup.

"He was the finest young player of that World Cup. He was a truly brilliant player at just 19.

"He was confident and arrogant, in a way, wanted the ball all of the time and wasn't afraid of anybody.

"He was fantastic. It's just a shame that he has had so many physical injuries."

Defenders Steve Watson and Alessandro Pistone and striker Duncan Ferguson will also figure in the Everton squad, and they are three players Robson insists can cause problems for his side.

The Newcastle chief has never had Watson at his disposal during his St James' Park tenure, but he revealed he still knows about his great attitude.

"I never knew Steve Watson but I have always admired him as a player," said Robson.

"I heard all the stories about him not being able to get in the car when he was leaving Newcastle for Aston Villa and that shows just how much he loves Newcastle.

"And I resurrected Pistone's career. He was out and dead and buried when I arrived at Newcastle.

"We transformed him and then at the end of the day we got good money for him and I am pleased because we made him a player again.

"As for Ferguson, I never had a problem with him.

"The only problem with him was that we could not get him on the pitch enough with his injuries.

"When he did play he was awesome with Shearer.

"Those 17 games he played he showed what he could do.

"But the deal for him to go to Everton was good for both of us because Everton is the club he loves."

Robson, meanwhile, admitted that he is interested in signing West Ham United winger Trevor Sinclair, with Newcastle and Sunderland battling it out for the player's signature.

"Trevor has asked for a transfer," said Robson. "West Ham have not made him available though so we are looking at the situation.

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