Reid boo-boys attacked by derby rival Robson

Ahead of tomorrow's derby between the sides at the Stadium of Light, Robson rounded on the boo -boys who have called for Reid's head and accused them of a lack of loyalty.

The Sunderland boss was the target of an angry demonstration during the last home game - a 1-0 derby defeat by Middlesbrough - when police and stewards held back a mob who hurled scarves, replica shirts and season tickets at the dug-out.

Reid has been in charge for almost seven years and has led his side to successive seventh-place finishes in the Premiership in the last two seasons.

But a growing number of fans have turned on the manager this term as Sunderland have struggled in the bottom half of the table and become embroiled in a fight against relegation.

A 1-0 win at Derby County a fortnight ago brought to an end a run of seven games without a win and eased the pressure on Reid.

But Robson, who had Reid in his charge when he was England manager, admits to being saddened and dismayed by the criticism levelled at his rival.

"I find it sad,'' said Robson. "It's not very loyal and I like loyalty.

"But I don't think it typifies every Sunderland fan. It's just a core, but unfortunately some people listen to the small core rather than the large core, which defeats me sometimes. It's brainless.

"But I'm sure the people at the top there no what they've got in Peter Reid. He's done a great job.

"They've had two very solid seasons and Peter has been under a bit of pressure lately, but I find that rather distasteful to be honest.

"People have short memories. They only remember the last three months - they don't remember the last seven years.

"People should be better than that.

"But he'll see it through because he's a tough lad and he's been there before - he'll soldier on.

"After Sunday's game, I wish him good luck. With all due respect to Derby, I was delighted Sunderland took the three points because it took a bit of pressure off Peter.

"I don't want Sunderland to be relegated. I want these games to be forever. We don't want Newcastle and Sunderland to be in different leagues.

"I consider this match the biggest match of our season. I think Manchester United is romantic, Liverpool is tough and Arsenal is thrilling.

"But Sunderland is the biggest match in the calendar, because I know what it means to our supporters and the players, and everyone who works here.''

Robson is chasing his first win over Sunderland as Newcastle boss in five attempts, and he admitted: "If we win this one, it'll be as good as I've ever felt.

"I was very disappointed we didn't win early in the season because we played well enough to win. We drew 1-1 but we should have won 3-1 on the balance of play.

"It's a big game for Peter and me. He needs to win to protect their situation and we need to win to stay in contention at the top.''

Newcastle are also seeking their first win against Sunderland in seven games since their 2-1 victory in the final Roker Park Wear-Tyne derby five seasons ago.

United's 19-goal skipper Alan Shearer is ready to line up despite a bruising encounter with former teammate, Sunderland-born Steve Howey, in the 1-0 FA Cup win over Manchester City.

"Alan has had three days off because he has a shiner and a nasty knock on the inside of the thigh,'' revealed Robson, who reckons that, in Shearer and £6m capture Craig Bellamy, he has as good a front pairing as any in the country.

"I put my reputation on Craig when I signed him,'' said Robson. "Shearer needed a quick player alongside him and we've given him one. Craig was always going to be a good foil for Alan. But Craig can also play with Carl Cort and Shola Ameobi - he's the ideal partner for all three.

"Every club in the Premiership has a great pairing. Liverpool have Michael Owen and Emile Heskey, Manchester United have Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Arsenal have Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp. It's why the Premiership is so magnificent and arguably the best league in Europe.

"If you can get them fit, the Duncan Ferguson-Kevin Campbell pairing at Everton can be hard to handle as well.

"And I think the Kevin Phillips-Niall Quinn pairing has been a terrific combination for Sunderland. They have a great understanding and they've always been dangerous.

"But I wouldn't swap my two for any of them. They're working together very well.''

Cort, who hasn't made a first-team appearance since May because of ankle and knee injuries, is expected to return to the first-team squad a week today for the Premiership visit of Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Robson insisted he would have no qualms about throwing £5m new boy Jermaine Jenas into the derby battle for his full United debut.

"He's in my thinking and I don't think it would be too big a game for him,'' stressed Robson.

* Robson ran a personal check on £15m-rated Australia midfielder Brett Emerton in Feyenoord's UEFA Cup clash with Rangers at Ibrox on Thursday night.

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