THEY might have had their disciplinary problems in the past but, in emerging defender Peter Ramage, Newcastle can boast one of the best-behaved players in the Premiership.

It is not that the 21-year-old is afraid of a crunching challenge - it is just that bitter experience has taught him to respect the referee.

Ramage's father, Iain, became one of Scotland's leading international rugby officials after a neck injury curtailed his career with Newcastle Gosforth in 1982.

He has officiated in both the World Cup and the Tri-Nations, as well as taking charge of the opening game in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, with his son taking a keen interest in his rise through the ranks.

That interest has enabled Newcastle's latest starlet to see how referees can be treated, and ensured he possesses an unwavering respect for anyone brave enough to pick up a whistle.

"My dad has always said to me 'Respect the referees'," said Ramage, who made his first appearance of the season in Sunday's derby win over Sunderland.

"Referees have a difficult job - I know that better than anybody. I'd like to think you wouldn't see me giving them any grief.

"I've seen what happens with the abuse my dad gets at rugby matches. I remember one occasion where me and my mam walked out of a game he was refereeing up at Gala because the abuse was that bad. She didn't want me to hear what the crowd were saying about my dad."

Ramage remains close to his father and the pair discussed the potential pitfalls of Sunday's game after the youngster was told he was a starter on Friday.

Aware of the risks inherent in a Tyne-Wear derby, the full-back duly produced a calm and composed display that explained why Graeme Souness was willing to award him a three-year deal in the summer.

"My dad's always been there for me," said the Ashington-born stopper. "He's refereed in bigger games than Newcastle vs Sunderland - he's been involved in a World Cup.

"He gave me a few words of advice before the game. He told me to keep my cool no matter what was happening. With it being a derby, it would have been easy to have become lost in everything that was going on.

"He just said 'Keep your head and play your own game'. He told me I was there because I was good enough to be there and that helped."

With Stephen Carr nursing a groin problem, Ramage's versatility could see him switching flanks to fill the right-back berth as Newcastle face Grimsby in the third round of the Carling Cup tonight.

His five appearances last season came in that position and, while he ultimately sees himself as a centre-half, the youngster is willing to be adaptable in an attempt to secure his place in the team.

"I'm a centre-half so I'd love to play at centre-half," he said. "But I'm happy enough playing at either right-back or left-back.

"Being versatile worked for Aaron Hughes during his time here. As a young player, you will play anywhere. Having that versatility helps me but, as I get older, I want to settle down in one position."

* Grimsby boss Russell Slade has warned his side to raise their game or face humiliation tonight.

The Mariners slumped to a 1-0 home defeat against Leyton Orient at the weekend and slipped from the League Two top spot.

Slade acknowledges a similar sub-standard display against the Magpies could leave Grimsby seriously wounded.

''If we play like that against Newcastle then we will be humiliated because we wouldn't stand a chance."