Robson on Given and Dyer

By Matthew Jones
August 26 2004

Shay Given and Kieron Dyer have both been backed by Magpies' manager Sir Bobby Robson for their part in Wednesday nights game - despite Norwich City coming from 2-0 down to take a point at St James' Park.

Given appeared to make a minor error as David Bentley netted Norwich's first goal of the game, and Kieron Dyer slipped in the build-up to that goal.

He was booed off the pitch with six minutes left on the clock after his comeback into the starting.

Speaking about Shay Given, Robson said:

"Shay has apologised, but he shouldn't do. He has never done anything like that in six years.

"We share his disappointment and we stick together. He is suffering, but he will pick himself up as we all will do."

On Dyer, he added:

"Kieron is not fully fit, but he will be fine.

"He has played only one game of 90 minutes since the end of last season, and that was a pre-season friendly against Rangers.

"He will get stronger."