Robson salute for young guns Hughes and Griffin

Central defender Aaron Hughes and full-back Andy Griffin have been instrumental in holding together a rearguard ravaged by the loss of key players.

Now Robson is talking about Northern Ireland international Hughes as a future United captain - and urging England Under-21 prospect Griffin to stick with the Magpies for the next decade.

With Nikos Dabizas, Warren Barton, Alain Goma and Marcelino on the injured list, Hughes and Griffin have been a major boon.

"We're playing two young defenders and they won't let anybody down,'' said Robson.

"I see Aaron as a future captain. First he has to prove he can command a regular place, but he has a wonderful opportunity and if I was him I would grab that chance.

"He's coming along nicely, but I want him to talk more on the pitch. He was a shy boy but he has come on a lot in the last year.

"I played him against Sheffield Wednesday last season not long after I arrived here and before the game I said to him: 'I can either go and sign Colin Hendry or play you, what do you want me to do?' Aaron said: 'Play me,' and he's never looked back since.

"For a guy not built like Jaap Stam, he jumps and heads well. That's why we recently gave him a new contract.

"Aaron is playing above his age. I'm just trying to encourage him to be a leader at the back, but how many people can be that at only 20? It has to come from him to work on handling that sort of responsibility.''

United visit Premiership new boys Manchester City today and Robson added: "Aaron was one of the reasons I let Steve Howey join City just before the start of the season.

"But I didn't know then that Dabizas and our other central defenders would be out injured. It's Sod's law.''

Griffin, recalled to the England Under-21 set-up this week by Howard Wilkinson, was also a target for City boss Joe Royle.

But Robson stressed: "We're not prepared to sell him. He's 21 and I've told him to think about staying here for the next ten years. He knows how highly I rate him.

"Andy had a miserable time with a back injury last season. He went nearly 12 months without starting a game for the club.

"But he's come through that and he's a very promising young full-back. It's no surprise that Howard Wilkinson has called him into the Under-21 squad.''

Former England centre-back Howey, who moved to Maine Road in a £3m deal, misses out on a reunion today.

A hamstring injury denies him the chance to face one-time skipper Alan Shearer.

The United captain has gone nine games without a goal in open play this season, but Howey warned: "Don't write him off.

"Alan is still an exceptional player and you can't afford to give him an inch.

"If you give him an opportunity, he'll be through.

"He's as strong and determined as ever. All the talk about him being slow these days is a load of nonsense.

"Speaking as an England fan, I wish he hadn't decided to retire from the international game.

"The critics have written him off before and been made to eat their words and he'll prove them wrong again. He's the best striker this country has seen in the last decade.''

United are seeking their first top-flight win at Maine Road for 41 years and Robson knows it won't be easy to end the hoodoo.

City have made a sound start on their return to the big-time and Robson said: "The Premiership new boys have everything to play for. They've seen what it's like outside the top flight and they know there's only one place to be.

"City will be working like stink to preserve their situation and the same goes for Charlton and Ipswich.

"We have to respect City, especially at home. We're aware that Sunderland lost there and Boro drew.

"But after two defeats in the Premiership, we know a win will give us a lift.

"That said, we haven't lost any spirit or morale.

"The players were annoyed about losing at home to Charlton last week and showed it the other night when we drew at Orient in the Worthington Cup.''

The latest test for Hughes and Co. will come in the shape of City strike duo Paulo Wanchope and George Weah.

"Wanchope is unpredictable and Weah has played at the highest level, so we'll have to be on our toes,'' said Robson.

l Newcastle will continue to monitor the progress of Trinidad and Tobago defender Dennis Lawrence.

The 6ft 7in stopper has returned to the Caribbean after a trial and Robson said: "We've seen his outstanding character. We just have to find out a bit more about him in matches.''

l Argentinian midfielder Cristian Bassedas makes his comeback after a lengthy lay-off with a broken foot when he lines up for Newcastle Reserves in Monday's home game against Leeds