Robson hails 'weary' Magpies

Bobby Robson hailed the endurance and spirit of his Newcastle team after they had grabbed a place in next season’s UEFA Cup.

Newcastle hung onto a 1-1 draw at Liverpool and managed to squeeze above Aston Villa to take the vital fifth spot.

Robson said: “We knew we had to get something from this match to do the job ourselves, even if we are thankful for some help from Manchester United, who won at Aston Villa.

“We have had to play four games in 10 days – nobody else has had to do that - and we were on our knees at the end. I do not think we could have played much longer.

“We had weary legs. It has been a tough time and we’re bushed, for sure. And we have done it despite losing so many players lately through injury.

“In the end it was a dramatic day and we were able to give something back to our wonderful support. We are grateful to them because those travelling fans have only seen us win twice away this season. That is inexplicable. It has been painful to watch.”

The Magpies chief added: “If we had picked up a few more wins away we would have had this place, and probably fourth spot, tied up a long time ago. But we have drawn our last two away games at Southampton and here, and in the end those two points have got us into this position and back into Europe.”

Robson took time out to praise Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, who produced an outstanding performance.

Robson said: “I wish Gerrard had gone off at half-time – he was really trying to kill us. It was his wonderful pass that set up Michael Owen’s goal. I hope he scores a few like that for England this summer and that he plays like he did today for his country in Portugal.”

Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier also hailed his skipper, saying: “He was awesome. He did everything out there. We put him out on the right in the second half and he turned in a fantastic display.

“He has upped his level of performance this season and is now approaching world class. He is the captain and leads by example.

“As for the match, it was a funny game. We did not really know what to do in the first half, we played ok and they took their chance. But in the second period we were much ber, more creative and our movement was better.”

The Frenchman added: “I felt a bit sorry for Bobby. He has lost so many players all at once and it has been difficult for him. I recall something similar happening to us during the season and we also struggled for results with so many out. I know how it feels and have sympathy for him.”