RELIEVED Newcastle United boss Bobby Robson admitted his side were fortunate to come away from Villa Park with a point last night.

Magpies goalkeeper Shay Given made a number of fine saves to keep out the Villans, as they pressed for a second half winner.

And Robson, whose side are still in place to claim the fourth and final Champions' League spot, indicated a draw at Villa Park is by no means a disgrace.

"Villa is not an easy place to come and play," said the Newcastle chief. "We have taken a point and that has helped us in our bid for a top four finish.

"We are now three points ahead of Chelsea with a game in hand. We are in control of our destiny.

"I would say we are favourites to claim that fourth spot.

"But we have to take a point because Shay has made a couple of saves late on and I suppose we should be happy because perhaps they deserved one of those to go in.

"But at the same time we could have quite easily snatched a winner ourselves near the end.

"Kieron Dyer has gone on and done everything right at the end. He's hung up in the air but his header just went over the bar.

"Kieron also had another chance when Olivier Bernard ran with the ball.

"Bernard played a ball as though an elephant has hit it when Kieron is going clean through - if it had been a better ball who knows?"

He added: "We have taken four points from a possible six over Easter and now we have got home games with West Ham and Fulham and then away games with Southampton, Blackburn and Derby - so hopefully we will be OK."

Newcastle were given the lead after just three minutes when Alan Shearer grabbed his 199th Premiership goal and his 22nd of the season.

And Robson praised his captain for reaching such a tally in the Premiership.

"Alan has been phenomenal throughout his career," said Robson. "And you have to remember that Alan has missed two full seasons."

The former England boss admitted that he hopes to have both Craig Bellamy and Gary Speed back for next Monday's clash with Fulham at St. James' Park.

Fifteen-goal striker Bellamy, who had been on the verge of being involved last night, missed the entire March programme with a knee injury, while Speed has been out with hamstring trouble.

And Robson said: "Craig has not had a set-back. He looked so good on Friday and then on Sunday in training he had a slight stiffness.

"So when that happened we did not even think about playing him tonight.

"He has a very good chance of playing on Monday, as has Gary Speed."

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