SIR BOBBY ROBSON has read the riot act to his defence after Saturday's shambolic showing at Manchester United.

But the Newcastle manager maintains the 5-3 Old Trafford defeat was "no great setback''.

Robson believes his side's defensive solidity at home this season - they have only conceded ten goals in 12 games on Tyneside in all competitions - has been conveniently overlooked.

The Magpies' boss admitted: "Our defence deserve criticism and it's been dealt with internally. We've handled that.

"We also let in five at Blackburn and three at Chelsea, but we've all seen games at home where we've been good defensively.

"I don't think the result at Man. United was a great setback - I think it's been overplayed.''

Robson, however, acknowledges his side "must improve'' if they are to finish in the Premiership's top six.

"I don't think we'll win the league, but we're looking to get into the top six places again,'' said Robson, whose side finished fourth last season to qualify for the Champions League.

Tonight, Newcastle enter the last 16 of the competition for the first time when they entertain Serie A giants Inter Milan.

Robson stressed: "We don't want to lose sight of why we're in Europe and if we can bring some credibility, romance and prestige to the club, we'll do that. We feel we have a good enough squad.

"I think all big clubs can fire on two or three fronts. Big clubs try to succeed in all competitions.

"If we can play like we did here when we beat Juventus, we'll have a chance. We need a dramatic reaction from the players after Saturday because we're playing a crack side.

"But I think it will be a tight encounter. It's set up for a wonderful night. It'll be one of great passion and tension and I'm sure there'll be goals. We're playing against some of the top players in Europe.

"It's wildly exciting and I think we deserve to be here. It's brilliant for everyone and it must be a dream for the players.

"It'll be marvellous if we qualify for the quarter-finals, but we're going to have to be at our best over six games if we are to get any reasonable results.

"What's left now in the competition is supreme quality - there isn't a bad side in the tournament. We lost our first three games in the first group stage, and if you get left behind now, you might not catch up.''

Robson has tracked Inter's Uruguayan playmaker Alvaro Recoba and is also a big admirer of Italy striker Christian Vieri.

"I love the talent of Recoba, but I also like the strength, and ability to score goals, of Vieri,'' said Robson.

"Hernan Crespo is also tremendously strong and powerful. I saw him in Argentina many years ago and I probably could have bought him for only $1m!''

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