ANDY GRIFFIN admits that Newcastle United's Champions' League campaign has been the making of his career.

From humble beginnings, Griffin has finally established himself as United's first-choice right-back in one of football's rags to riches stories.

The former England Under-21 international, who was plucked from the obscurity of Stoke City by Kenny Dalglish in a £1.5m deal, had made fewer than 50 appearances for the Magpies in four-and-a-half years at the start of the season.

Serious back and thigh injuries had hampered Griffin's bid to become a first-team regular.

The Wigan-born defender was restricted to only four starts last season and his first this term, which coincided with United's opening Champions' League group game - the 2-0 defeat away to Dynamo Kiev - was his first in almost a year.

Griffin has been ever-present since and emerged as the most unlikely match-winning hero when his cross-shot forced an uncharacteristic error from Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in the famous victory at St. James' Park last month.

That goal resurrected United's hopes of qualifying for the second group phase of the competition.

And 23-year-old Griffin was at it again in the Magpies' next match, scoring in the 2-1 Premiership home win over Charlton.

Now, as United face their date with European destiny against Feyenoord here tonight, Griffin confesses: "I always pinch myself regarding my lifestyle and everything. It's almost a miracle, because of my background, to be playing first-team football for Newcastle.

"This year, I've gone from the reserves to the first team, playing against Juventus and scoring the winner.

"I'm playing against teams like Arsenal and it's a massive turnaround for me. I was given my chance and that was through hard work and determination.

"Last season was very hard for me, physically and mentally. The injury I had was a serious dead-leg which kept recurring. I don't pick up little knocks, they tend to be injuries that keep me out for a long length of time.

"I had a blood clot in my leg and it flared up every time I took a knock.''

Griffin candidly concedes that when he was fit, yet still unable to command a place, he was troubled by self-doubt.

He said: "You ask yourself: 'Why am I not playing?' Bobby Robson obviously knows a good player when he sees one and I wasn't being selected.

"But I always believed I was good enough. I'd played against the best teams in our league, the Manchester Uniteds and Liverpools.

"It was just a case of getting the chance, taking it and staying clear of injuries.

"I only started four games last season and that was partly due to injuries. I'm sure it'll happen again, but I think I'm a stronger person for it.

"If things had carried on the way they were, and I'd still been playing in the reserves, I would have had to look at the whole situation.

"But this season I have put a good run of games together and I don't think there are many better places to be than Newcastle United. It's brilliant.''

Griffin agrees with the view that United's fledgling side have come of age during their Euro adventures.

"I don't think I've been out of my depth in the Champions' League and I don't think the team have either,'' he said.

"We have a lot of young players who have played against some of the best teams in the world and they've shown their worth.

"My goal against Juve was a bit lucky, but we showed a lot of determination and character to beat them and then we beat Kiev at our place after being a goal down.

"It's been a hell of a learning curve playing against these sides and it will only make this young team better.''

Griffin sees the Feyenoord clash as "probably the biggest game of his career''.

Newcastle must win and hope Juventus earn at least a draw in Kiev, if Robson's men are to progress.

A point for United would guarantee them a place in the UEFA Cup at the expense of the holders.

Griffin said: "You have to respect Feyenoord because they're in the Champions' League and they won the UEFA Cup last year.

"But I thought, when they beat us at home, we were by far the better team. If Lady Luck had been with us that night, we would have won 3-1 or 4-1. But they had the luck, defended quite well and their keeper, Edwin Zoetebier, pulled off some great saves.

"But we'll go into the game confident. Juve have to do half the job for us, but all we can do is pick up three points.

"I could understand it if Juventus put out a weakened team in Kiev because they are already through to the next round, but I think they'll field a decent side.

"I would be disappointed if we only made it into the UEFA Cup because we set out to get into the next round of the Champions' League.

"But, whatever happens, we have to make sure we're still in Europe in the UEFA Cup and hoping to bring some silverware back to the club.'

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