NEWCASTLE UNITED'S stars were last night praised by Sir Bobby Robson for never resting in their final Premiership game of the season.

The Magpies had to work hard to claim a point at West Bromwich Albion yesterday - but nothing rested on the outcome of the result.

However, Newcastle boss Robson indicated he would have been annoyed had his players suffered defeat to a side facing the prospect of life in the Nationwide League again in August.

He also noted how 'comfortable' young substitutes Michael Chopra and Darren Ambrose looked on the ball, and insisted second-placed Arsenal - who overcame relegated Sunderland 4-0 at the Stadium of Light - showed exactly how to bring the season's curtain down.

"I would have been angry finishing third and getting beaten at relegated West Brom," said Robson.

"We did not have to show them sympathy because they didn't need to win. Look at what at Arsenal did to Sunderland, they didn't show Sunderland any sympathy, they showed a great attitude and that's why we needed to do the same.

"It's about being professional.

"And had we been beaten then that would not have been progress would it?"

Young Newcastle pair Ambrose and Chopra tasted Premiership action for the first time at West Brom. And, in the short time the pair were on the pitch, Robson saw glimpses of what he believes the pair will bring to the club in future years.

The Newcastle chief also suggested the man who made way for Ambrose - Nolberto Solano - did not warrant an early exit.

"They both looked comfortable on the ball when they came on," said Robson. "Nobby did not deserve to be taken off and seconds before he was taken off he had created a great chance for LuaLua, perhaps it should have been him who was substituted after that miss.

"But Nobby has got that experience and he gave way to give Ambrose a little experience.

"Had I taken LuaLua off at that time it would not have been good for his confidence because he's still a young lad who is building his experience."

A number of Newcastle's internationals are expected to be called up by their countries in the coming weeks and Robson hopes those selected will come back refreshed when pre-season training starts in early July.

"We have got a lot of players on internationals now," said Robson, who expects to hear Kieron Dyer, Jonathan Woodgate and Jermaine Jenas' names in the latest England squad to be announced today.

"We have got players playing until the middle of June, LuaLua is playing until mid-July.

"I just hope they all come back safe. They are not going to get much of a rest though. It's an 11 month season now for some of them."

Former West Brom player Robson, now 70, was also quick to hail the Baggies, despite seeing them drop out of the top-flight after just one season.

The 27,000-plus home crowd never stopped backing their relegated heroes and the St.James' Park boss hopes they will make a swift return.

"The public were fantastic. I have to pay respect to the Baggies public," he said. "I did not think we were playing against a club who were relegated, but the public here are always like that.

"I don't get any pleasure in seeing West Brom get relegated. I think they narrowly missed out on getting points in a few games and that could have kept them up.

"But they didn't give us an easy game and I'm sure we will be pushing for promotion next season."

West Brom boss Gary Megson also thanked his club's fans.

He said: "The supporters made our performance today. The first half was like a team feeling sorry for themselves but in the second half we went about it a little better.

"We wanted to win even though we were not going to move up any places.

"As soon as you are relegated you want the season to get out of the way and then plan for next season."

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