IT will be a case of friends re-united at St James' Park tomorrow as two of Newcastle's most popular sons go head to head in the search for Premiership points.

Robbie Elliott is undergoing an incredible renaissance this season but tomorrow he will find himself lining up against a full-back who commands equal respect from the St James' Park faithful.

Everton's Steve Watson made 263 appearances for the Magpies after making his full professional debut against Wolves in October 1990 at the age of 16 years and 223 days - an achievement that still makes him the youngest player to have played for the club.

The North Shields-born star also set another record later that season when he lined up on the right-hand side of Newcastle's defence at Upton Park, with a 17-year-old Elliott starting on the opposite side of the field.

The duo became the youngest full-back pairing in English football, and struck up a friendship that has endured the ups and downs of the last 13 years.

"There's so much competition in the Premiership now and the fact that we're both still involved is testimony to the people who brought us through," said Elliott, who is still some 100 games short of Watson's appearance record in a black and white shirt.

"It says something about both of us that we've been top-flight players for a long time now.

"It's always special when I come up against Steve, just like it is when I lock horns with Lee Clark.

"Playing at St James' Park is important to Steve with all his family and friends up here and I just hope both of us are involved. It will be a fantastic occasion for everyone who has seen our careers develop from the early days."

Fondly remembered for his somersault throw-ins and a memorable League Cup winner at Liverpool, Watson left Tyneside to join Aston Villa in October 1998, before making the switch to Everton two years later.

He has gone on to make more than 100 appearances for the Merseyside club and, while most of those have come at the wrong end of the Premiership table, this season sees Everton challenging for a European place.

Watson is likely to start on the bench as David Moyes' side look for their sixth away win of the season, and even Elliott admits to having been surprised by the way in which Everton have maintained their impressive early form.

"It's quite incredible how they are performing this season and, after their great start, I don't know many people who thought they would sustain it," he said.

"They're a very well-drilled outfit and every player knows his role. It's a tried and tested formula with one striker, five across midfield and a settled and effective defence.

"They all work very hard as a team to keep the opposition out and they have the ability to win games by narrow margins. They've always had that potential under David Moyes.

"I suppose a player like Nigel Martyn is indicative of what Everton are all about. They don't have any stars, their key players have been around for some time and the team spirit is excellent.

"They're not the most fashionable team in the Premiership, but with the Wayne Rooney money behind them they can become even better."

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