NEWCASTLE boss Sir Bobby Robson last night insisted that Leeds keeper Paul Robinson should have been sent off for a first-half challenge on Kieron Dyer.

The Newcastle frontrunner was clean through in the 33rd minute when he was confronted by Robinson on the edge of the penalty area.

Skipper Alan Shearer had given the Magpies a fourth-minute lead, but Robson said: "We needed that second goal and Alan missed a big chance after he had scored - he couldn't believe he had missed it.

"Kieron might have done better with a lob just before half-time, against a keeper who shouldn't have been on the pitch.

"I think it was a red card when he brought Kieron down.

"He clattered him outside the area and got away with it. I feel strongly about it, but the linesman didn't want to know. Kieron said he had been fouled - and I saw it myself.''

Robson labelled Shearer's goal "one of his best''. He said: "It was great football for the goal and a sizzling shot from Alan - one of his best.

"Leeds gave us a fight, but we held on for the win and we're back up to sixth. On that performance, Leeds shouldn't go down.''

Leeds' Tyneside-born striker Michael Bridges, who Robson is keen to bring to St. James' Park, made a second-half appearance and the Magpies' manager said: "He was lively when he came on and changed the picture of the game.''

Leeds boss Eddie Gray, whose side remain second bottom in the Premiership, admitted: "Newcastle played some good stuff in the first half - we were fortunate to be one down at half-time.

"The early goal gave them a lift. It was a terrific strike by Alan Shearer - he seems to make a habit of doing that against us.''

Gray revealed that David Batty is a major doubt for Saturday's home game against Tottenham after picking up an ankle injury.

"It's unfortunate for us with Alan Smith being suspended for that game as well,'' said Gray.

"I have confidence and belief in the players, but they have to have belief if they are going to get out of trouble. I think the players still feel they have a chance of pulling away.''

*Newcastle's UEFA Cup third-round opponents Valerenga have asked European football's governing body to consider Rosenborg's Lerkendal Stadium in Trondheim as the second-choice venue for the first leg on February 26.

Rosenborg's ground, though around 300 miles north of Valerenga's Oslo base, is said to be better equipped than the Ulleval Stadium to counter the sub-zero conditions in Norway.

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