NEWCASTLE United midfielder Kieron Dyer last night banished doubts about his fitness and promised England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson that he is ready to take on the world.

Dyer was yesterday confirmed in Eriksson's 23-man World Cup squad after over a year of uncertainty caused by persistent injury problems.

The 23-year-old was out for almost ten months while he recovered from a stress fracture of the shin.

And he suffered a fresh setback little more than six weeks after his December comeback when he broke down with similar trouble in a foot.

It was an unfortunate irony that the injury flared following a treadmill test undertaken at Eriksson's behest.

Dyer was sidelined for a further two months and since his return has played on despite discomfort in his shins and a groin strain.

A self-professed "stinker'' in England's friendly with Paraguay last month did nothing to enhance Dyer's reputation.

But he has done enough to convince Eriksson that he could be the answer to his problem position on the left side of midfield.

And Dyer declared: ''I've had a good last few weeks with Newcastle, and now I'm fit and raring to go in Japan and Korea.

''It's going to be a tremendous thrill for me and hopefully, if it goes well, the highlight of my career so far.''

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson has played his part in doing his utmost to protect Dyer.

"I speak on behalf of everyone at the club in saying we are delighted for Kieron,'' said the former England manager.

''It will be a rich experience for him and he will return from the World Cup a better player.''

Middlesbrough defender Gareth Southgate is the only other North-East-based player in the squad.

He joked: "I hope I'm shattered at the end of the summer. It is a great honour and I am absolutely delighted.

"It is going to be very exciting. Your whole life you dream of playing in the World Cup; in the playground you pretend you are running round with the trophy, I know I was like that.

"Playing in the World Cup is the pinnacle of your career. To get the opportunity to represent your country is fantastic, and I'll relish that.

''I was lucky enough to be involved four years ago. I played a couple of games then got injured and missed a couple, so I don't feel I had a full opportunity, and I am just as hungry as ever to go.

''I think we go to the tournament by no means favourites, but with a lot of optimism and we should have that because we have a lot of good players.

''Most of them have played against the best in the world this year in European competition, so I don't think we have anything to fear.

"But hopefully expectations won't be unreasonably high. We're in a very difficult group, but if we get through anything can happen.''

Boro manager and England coach Steve McClaren, speaking on Boro TV's Totally Red programme, said: "It's a great reward for the season Gareth has had.

"It was always something when he came here that he said he wanted to do and at the time I said he could do it. It's brilliant for this club because he will be a great ambassador for us. I'm sure he will do England proud as well.''

While Southgate was selected, his central defensive partner Ugo Ehiogu missed out, and McClaren confessed: "As manager of Middlesbrough and as a coach alongside Sven, it's a difficult one for me.

"Gareth and Ugo have been outstanding together and I would class them in the same bracket as Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister in their days at Manchester United, and Tony Adams and Martin Keown over the years for Arsenal.

"I felt disappointment for Ugo but the final choice was always going to be with Sven and I respect that."

There was more good news for Newcastle as youngsters Shola Ameobi and Jermaine

Jenas were included in David Platt's Under-21 squad for the European Championships in Switzerland.

Striker Ameobi, who had a cartilage operation in March, admitted: ''I'm thrilled to be included in the squad for the finals tournament.

''The injury I picked up put an end to my club season, but I've made a full recovery and I'm really looking forward to joining up with the squad.''

Midfielder Jenas, signed from Nottingham Forest for £5m in February, said: ''The last four months have been tremendous for me, joining Newcastle, playing in the Premiership and gaining my first England Under-21 caps.

"Going to Switzerland for the European Championships will be a fabulous experience.''

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