AFTER drawing on personal experience, England and Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has backed Newcastle United's Kieron Dyer to emerge a 'stronger' player from his torture on Tyneside.

Dyer was subjected to a chorus of boos every time he touched the ball for England at St James' Park on Wednesday night and worse is expected if he plays for the Magpies against Tottenham tomorrow.

The 25-year-old is being vilified by sections of the Newcastle supporters for refusing to wear the captain's armband given to him by Alan Shearer at Middlesbrough on Saturday and apparently rowing with manager Sir Bobby Robson over team selection.

Birmingham are the first club to have explored the possibility of offering Dyer an escape route while Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United have all been credited with an interest in the player in the past.

An apology issued by the midfielder yesterday may not be enough to appease tomorrow's crowd.

But Lampard knows about having to deal with abuse from the stands, having been barracked by West Ham United fans when he first burst onto the scene at Upton Park in 1996.

At the time the raw teenager's inclusion in the starting line-up, named by the then manager Harry Redknapp who was Lampard's uncle, was seen as nepotism by the Hammers' supporters.

And, after taking time to come to terms with life as Premiership footballer, he came in for a torrent of abuse as he struggled to find the form that Redknapp and coach Frank Lampard Snr, the player's father, knew he had.

It did not help that two other highly-rated youngsters, Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole, were setting West Ham alight but he overcome the criticism from the stands.

And now Lampard is convinced that the jibes being aimed at Dyer, understood to be available for around £8m, will help the Newcastle star become a better player for it.

"It's not nice to hear a teammate being booed and it was harsh. He's definitely strong enough to get over it, he's got a strong character and he gives 100 per cent every game whenever I have played with him," said Lampard.

"Hopefully the fans will stop booing and concentrate on what he can do on the pitch. Kieron is a top player. He's lucky that he is.

"When I was booed at a young age it made me a lot stronger for it and I'm sure it will do the same for Kieron. He's such a quality player that I'm sure his performances for Newcastle will show everyone what he is about."

Dyer's reception on the international stage was reminiscent of the days when John Barnes used to pull on an England shirt.

But his Newcastle team-mate Jermaine Jenas does not believe his close friend will be affected by the fans' backlash.

"Kieron is a strong lad and I'm sure he's dealt with a lot worse in his England career. I'm sure he will come through it," said Jenas. "He's certainly been accused of worse and, as he's a good mate of mine, I know he can come through it."

Meanwhile, Lampard paid tribute to England's latest hero - Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Wright-Phillips scored a sensational solo goal after being introduced as a substitute in the 3-0 win over the Ukraine to cap a memorable debut.

And Lampard is convinced the Manchetser City winger will now become a part of Sven-Goran Eriksson's plk,ans for the World Cup qualifiers with Austria and Poland next month.

"Shaun did well and he more than warranted his place in the squad," said Lampard.

"He's a very exciting player and he came on and scored a great goal. He was very confident and it's nice to see players come on and play like he did.

"We played at a high tempo and to do that this early in the season is very pleasing. We wanted to play that way and now we are looking forward to the qualifiers."

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