SIR Bobby Robson labelled the response of his players as 'fantastic' after putting one of his most difficult weeks in charge at Newcastle United well and truly behind him.

Robson and, more particularly, the first-team squad appeared hurt by the comments of chairman Freddy Shepherd, who tore into their perfomances over Christmas which he labelled as unacceptable.

Shepherd spoke of the Rolls-Royce treatment afforded to the Magpies' stars, demanding the club, and its fans, started to receive more Rolls-Royce performances.

The move appeared to have the desired effect with the display on Saturday at Southampton one of their best of the season.

Robson said: "It was a fantastic response by the players - I have to say that.

"The players have been great this week. We've kept our cool, we've kept our poise and we've kept our dignity.

"We've battled on.

"The fact is that we've lost two games in the last 14. The players have given a response in the best way possible.

"Not with your words but with your football ability."

Midfielder cum forward Kieron Dyer said the players were affected by the chairman's comments and responded in the only way they know how.

However, the two-goal man-of-the-match at Southampton admitted the criticism produced the desired response, bringing out the best in the players.

Dyer said: "The chairman is entitled to say what he said but I was a little surprised when he had a pop at us.

"It hurt us. We would have preferred him to say it in private, but it seemed to have the desired effect. He pays our wages and he was entitled to criticise us.

"I think he was being canny because he wanted to get a reaction and we gave him the right one.

"I think the criticism was warranted because we have not been consistent enough this season which is why we are only seventh in the league and not challenging for the title like we were last season."

Dyer himself didn't play in the two games previously, and his return in a more forward role appeared to energise his teammates. In the past Robson appears to have been reluctant to play him alongside Shearer despite the knee injury to Craig Bellamy, but admitted he now has no choice but to keep him there.

Robson said: "We took him off to preserve and protect him for Wednesday night against Leeds.

"His displays in a wide position have been outstanding but I was always going to play him up front against Southampton.

"I'll play him there on Wednesday and against Manchester United next weekend. I couldn't move him after that performance."

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