Sir Bobby priases Dyer's performance

By Matthew Jones
December 22 2002

Sir Bobby Robson has said that Dyer had one of his best games ever. His performance against Fulham was described as "colossal". He made some really important tackles and proved why he should play central midfield for England.

Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson described Kieron Dyer's performance as "colossal" in his team's 2-0 defeat of Fulham.

Goals from Nolberto Solano and Craig Bellamy helped lift the Magpies into fourth spot on the table.

"Dyer made tackles I've never seen him make," said Robson.

"I thought he gave a colossal performance - I thought he and Gary Speed were massive, immense.

"Dyer and Speed were just absolutely magnificent.

"When you see Dyer like that there's not much better in midfield in the country than him. He was fantastic."

Robson also saw skipper Alan Shearer miss a penalty and added, "It was a surprise penalty miss by Alan, of course.

"He obviously changed the side - he missed one last year against Van der Sar when he hit a very good penalty which the goalkeeper read and went early.

"I think that just tweaked Alan's mind, and he went the other side. We've got some builders in to repair the stand!

"Alan was disappointed. But he made a big contribution."