SIR BOBBY ROBSON believes Newcastle United defender Jonathan Woodgate is still a big part of England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson's plans.

The £10m centre-back made a successful return to action for the reserves last night from the double hernia operation which has kept him out of Premiership football since the goalless draw with Bolton on September 30.

And Newcastle chief Robson insists Woodgate can now force his way back into Eriksson's thoughts for next summer's European Championships.

"I saw Sven on Sunday and he inquired about him. It's six weeks since his operation and I told Sven not to select him," said Robson.

"I think Sven knows exactly what he has got in Jonathan and when he is fit I'm sure Sven will come and watch him play. I would think he would love to play next summer. He's got ambition and he would love to play."

Woodgate was a commanding presence at the back in the 2-2 draw with neighbours Middlesbrough before being replaced by young defender Chris Carr 11 minutes from time.

Now the hope on Tyneside is that Woodgate can make the most of the international break and make a first team return in the top-flight fixture with Manchester City a week on Saturday.

The 23-year-old has only made 12 League appearances for the Magpies since his switch from Leeds in January.

But he has already become a huge hit with the St. James' Park faithful, who have witnessed their side keep just three clean sheets in seven games without his services.

And Robson said: "He has come through this match very well and we brought him off just to make sure he didn't get injured.

"We did not want to kill him first match and lasted longer than we thought. He should be fit for Manchester City because we have another reserve game before then as well."

It did not take long for Woodgate to have an impact on proceedings at Kingston Park.

The Teesside-born defender was Newcastle's saviour with just four minutes on the clock when he blocked Massimo Maccarone's effort.

Maccarone, out to prove he should not have been dropped by manager Steve McClaren at Aston Villa on Saturday, jinked his way around Peter Ramage, Steven Taylor and goalkeeper Adam Bartlett, but Woodgate was on hand to deny the Italian.

Maccarone and Woodgate were joined by other first team players on show - Chris Riggott, Jonathan Greening and Andrew Davies for Boro, while Jamie McClen, Michael Chopra and Darren Ambrose were in action for the Magpies.

In a dull opening half, Newcastle had the better of the chances.

First a poor first touch from Chopra did not do a terrific through ball from McClen justice, as the young striker was put in on goal.

Boro keeper Ross Turnbull then got down to save a 22-yard effort from midfielder Martin Brittain, as Newcastle threatened to take the lead.

And it was not too long before they did just that, with Woodgate playing his part. His downward header from Brittain's corner was turned beyond Turnbull by Lewis Guy after 34 minutes.

Guy added a second just 42 seconds after the restart, exceptionally volleying into Turnbull's top left corner from 20 yards after the ball deflected into his path following a late tackle by Chopra on Davies.

England Under-20 international Chopra went close with a volley for Newcastle but a lacklustre Boro survived.

With 25 minutes remaining Greening, making a rare reserve second string appearance, slotted in a penalty after Hartlepool-born Andrew Taylor was brought down by Kris Gate in the box.

Boro picked up a gear after their goal and their comeback was complete when Darlington target Daniel Graham struck the equaliser in stoppage time after being put through by skipper Brian Close.

Newcastle: Bartlett, Gate, Cave, Ramage, Taylor, Woodgate (Carr 79), Brittain, McClen (Ferrell 90), Guy, Chopra, Ambrose. Subs (not used): Smith, O'Brien, Finnighan.

Middlesbrough: Turnbull, Davies, Taylor, Smith, Riggott, Close, Morrison, Graham, Maccarone (Brunt 61), Greening, Dove. Subs (not used): Roberts, McMahon, Liddle, Harrison.

* Wales captain Gary Speed hopes his country's rugby heroes can inspire his own team to reach the Euro 2004 finals.

The Welsh nation have been overjoyed by their rugby team's performance in the World Cup down under, where they gave New Zealand a run for their money and then produced an outstanding performance before going out in the quarter-finals to England.

Newcastle midfielder Speed watched that match along with fellow Magpie and former England captain Alan Shearer in their hotel room before going off to lose 5-0 to Chelsea. ''Let's just say I had a good first half, and Alan had a good second. It was nerve-wracking - but the Welsh boys did so well,'' said Speed.

''They have inspired us. You have only to look at the fighting spirit they showed and their togetherness. I am sure every Welshman was on their feet - I was certainly one of them.''

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