BOBBY ROBSON last night hailed the return to form and fitness of Kieron Dyer and declared: "People can't live with him when he plays like this.''

World Cup hopeful Dyer was inspirational as Newcastle romped to a 6-2 victory over Everton at St James' Park yesterday.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson wasn't there to see him, but the £20m-rated midfielder provided further proof that he has overcome the foot stress fracture which forced him on to the sidelines for nine weeks.

The energetic Dyer set up one of Nolberto Solano's two goals before being withdrawn by manager Robson 12 minutes from time.

Robson said: "People can't live with him - they can't catch him.

"He's alert and bright and plays the right pass at the right pace. All Solano had to do was put the ball in the net.

"It was a great goal by Dyer, although Solano scored it!

"The FA Cup game at Arsenal last week was the first full one Kieron had played after being out for over two months.

"But here he still had the steam to make his runs.

"I took him off because I want him to play at Aston Villa on Tuesday and I didn't want to risk him.

"I was protecting him and that was the right thing to do. Kieron has got a lot more to give.''

Robson was delighted with an ultimately resounding win which boosted his fourth-placed side's hopes of clinching a Champions' League berth.

But he admitted that the Magpies' defending will have to improve if they are to sustain their challenge.

Goalkeeper Shay Given and defenders Nikos Dabizas and Sylvain Distin were found wanting when Everton took an early lead through skipper Duncan Ferguson and later levelled courtesy of Niclas Alexandersson.

Robson said: "It's a great victory for us. This is just what we needed after going out of the Cup at Arsenal.

"It's a great Easter present after the wretched result last weekend.

"I said before the game that I wanted 24 points from our last eight games.

"If we do that, it might get us third place.

"But to achieve that, the defending has to be tighter.

"We're a strong family and there were some strong words at half-time. We had to re-motivate people.

"Once we'd had a whack at the back-four at half-time, we dealt with things better and we were more solid at the back.

"We said, 'Don't panic, but change your ways'.''

* Newcastle centre-back Andy O'Brien has agreed a new five year contract with the Magpies.

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