TOUGH-tackling Andy Griffin is aiming to put a training ground bust-up behind him in a bid to force his way back into the first team reckoning at Newcastle.

The 22-year-old full back had a spat with French international Laurent Robert on Friday.

Teammates were forced to step in, and manager Bobby Robson read the riot act to both players.

Robson later called a clear-the-air meeting at the team hotel, which resulted in the pair shaking hands, and insisted yesterday the incident was closed.

But Griffin himself was more disappointed at failing to make the bench at Goodison - believing the time has arrived to make the right back slot his own.

"It's not an ideal situation at present and I won't be happy just sitting on the bench long-term," said Griffin.

"It always seems when I get in the team and put a run together I get injured and I have to battle back. I'm only happy when I'm playing week in week out."

Griffin has been plagued by niggling injuries this term, and his career at St James' has been a stop-start affair with Warren Barton always ahead of him in the right-back pecking order.

However, Barton's future looks anything but assured on Tyneside after appearing to fall out of favour with Robson, and Griffin sees this as a big opportunity to stake his claim.

Griffin is facing another obstacle with centre-half Aaron Hughes performing admirably.

"I am fit for selection but over the last few games Aaron's been playing really well," said Griffin.

"He's proved he's a very versatile player in defence and midfield, and he's doing a good job at right-back."

Despite the competition, Griffin sees the chance to lock horns with another flamboyant French winger this weekend as an ideal way to return.

The former England U-21 international aims to be back in the starting line-up for Saturday's visit of table-toppers Aston Villa.

Former Magpie David Ginola could start for the Premiership leaders, and Griffin has an excellent record against him.

"I enjoy playing against the big name players and I have always enjoyed playing against Ginola," said Griffin. "It's a good way of measuring how good you are as a full-back, and I look forward to those type of battles."

Griffin, seen by many as the best right-sided defender at the club, virtually nullified Ginola's threat in the FA Cup semi-final against Spurs in April 1999.

In January this year he again marked the Frenchman out of the FA Cup game at St James', with one full-blooded tackle in the first half still talked about.

Meanwhile skipper Alan Shearer believes that the Geordies are fully capable of staying in the top six as long as they minimise opponents' chances.