NEWCASTLE UNITED hardman Andy Griffin has vowed to show no mercy to Juninho when the Brazilian is thrown into tomorrow's grudge derby at the Riverside.

Griffin admitted last night that he revels in his image as a tough-tackling defender who has endeared himself to the Toon Army with a series of physical displays.

Juninho could start his first competitive match since June 17 when Newcastle visit Middlesbrough for a match that was controversially postponed last month.

But 23-year-old Griffin, who has already left his mark on David Ginola, has the World Cup winner in his sights as the Tees-Tyne derby approaches.

He said: "I've been the same way since I was 12. I had a very short temper then and didn't stand for any nonsense.

"I was very similar at Stoke before I came to Newcastle; getting stuck in was a big part of my game and I enjoyed it.

"I like tackling players, and you play to your strengths. Tackling is one of my strengths.

"I remember playing against David Ginola, and on one occasion I went into a challenge and I didn't tackle the ball. That got as big a cheer as if Alan Shearer scored a goal.

"I was aware of that at the time, and I know the fans do enjoy someone who's committed and who will get stuck in."

Griffin was still sweating on his place in Newcastle's starting line-up for the derby last night after he benefited from and was a victim of Sir Bobby Robson's squad rotation policy in the space of a week.

The right-back made a surprise return at Leeds United ten days ago after recovering from an elbow injury and then retained his place for the win over Bayer Leverkusen, but he was on the bench against Chelsea.

Griffin now hopes Robson will recall him at the expense of Aaron Hughes or Olivier Bernard at the Riverside as Newcastle look to continue their charge up the Premiership.

He said: "You need two teams nowadays. Look at Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool: they've got two teams that could survive in the Premiership.

"The manager here has done that. He's bought well and brought in youth.

"We've now got six or seven very good defenders who are fighting to get in the back four.

"It's a nice headache for the manager to have, but if you're out of the team you're frustrated and angry because you just want to play.

"It's up to the manager who plays, and it's up to yourself as well to force your way into the team."

Certainly, Griffin's current worries about being omitted by Robson seem a world away from the dilemma he faced last summer, when he believed his future lay away from St James' Park.

He added: "I did think my number was up at Newcastle United. I was thinking I'd have to go somewhere else to be playing regular football because I only played four times last season.

"I know I had my injury problems but Aaron Hughes did very well at right-back and didn't deserve to get dropped.

"But I came back in pre-season and I thought to myself that I was going to be leaving Newcastle United, then I'd only do so after giving it my all.

"I knew that, if I did that, I'd hold my hands up and move on because then the manager wouldn't think I was good enough. But I worked hard and got my break, and the season has been a personal success.

"It was annoying to get the elbow injury, but these things happen and I've had a good season far."

l Newcastle have applied to enter next season's Intertoto Cup - despite being on course to secure a Champions League place via the Premiership.

"We set a deadline of last Friday for our clubs to register their interest in the Intertoto Cup," said FA spokesman Andrin Cooper.

"We have had one application from Newcastle United.''

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