KIERON Dyer made his return to action at Ipswich Town - but Newcastle United hardly needed him.

The 22-year-old, who has been out since February, came off the bench for the last 10 minutes at Portman Road - purely with the task of helping the visitors hold onto their slender one goal lead given to them by Nolberto Solano.

Dyer, along with the rest of his teammates, duly obliged and Newcastle keep up the pressure on the teams occupying a Champions League place.

A late dazzling run was all the former Ipswich midfielder, who received a good reception on his return, could muster to excite during his time on the pitch.

But that darting run just backed up manager Bobby Robson's theory of throwing him into the Premiership after just one reserves game under his belt.

Robson named exactly the same side that drew 1-1 at Charlton, but as expected Dyer was named on the bench after recovering from his 10 month injury nightmare.

Struggling Ipswich boss George Burley dropped England Under-21 international Titus Bramble and John McGreal came in. Skilful Nigerian Finidi George made his first appearance since October 21.

Neither side settled particularly well and it was difficult to see where a goal would come from until a moment of magic from Solano lit the game up.

The Peruvian, with his back to goal on the edge of the Ipswich box, knocked the ball over his head for the advancing Gary Speed.

Speed's shot was saved by keeper Matteo Sereni - Solano was first to react and he had the simple task of tapping the ball in just inches from the goal-line.

Ipswich were spraying passes around nicely but they were failing to trouble the Magpies defence - something the home crowd have come to expect after scoring just 14 goals in 15 top-flight matches.

When they finally did break down the vistors' backline, Shay Given produced a world-class save to deny a delicate chip from Geordie Alun Armstrong.

With only seconds remaining until the half-time whistle, Ipswich put Newcastle under heavy pressure.

But the wall of Black and White stood firm and the best Burley's men could achieve was a Jermaine Wright shot that blazed over.

At the other end Hartlepool-born defender Mark Venus superbly blocked a blast from Bellamy as Robson's side went in the dressing rooms one up.

The break had obviously helped Newcastle because the hosts were unable to carry on the promise they were showing.

And Alan Shearer went close to capitalising when he volleyed goalwards only for Sereni to block comfortably.

Just after the hour Given was on hand to make another impressive stop to deny Ipswich an equaliser.

The Republic of Ireland No 1 saved an Armstrong drive from close in after the ball fell to the ex-Newcastle pro, who was rejected by the St James' Park club as a teenager when he was discarded by Kevin Keegan.

This is a different time and a different era though and under the current leadership Newcastle are making progress to a return to those exciting days.

And with 11 minutes remaining Robson's men should have extended their narrow lead when Shearer put through Bellamy. The young Welshman, who was booed every time he touched the ball for his days at Ipswich's arch-rivals Norwich, placed the ball straight at Sereni with just the Italian to beat.

Only seconds after, the moment came for Dyer's introduction - much to the delight of the travelling Toon Army.

The England international failed to have an effect, as Ipswich enjoyed more of the possession during his time on the pitch.

However, the Tractor Boys' failure to convert that play into goals ensured that Newcastle took all the points.

Goals: Solano (0-1, 20);

Bookings: Robert (diving), McGreal, Counago (dissent), Hreidarsson (foul)

Sent off: None

Attendance: 24,748

Referee: Rob Styles (Waterlooville) 6

Ipswich (4-4-2): Sereni 8; Hreidarsson 6, McGreal 6, Venus 7, Makin 7; Clapham 5, Holland 6, Wright 6 (Naylor 84), George 5 (Peralta 67 6); Armstrong 6 (Counago 67 6), Bent 7. Subs not used: Branagan, Magilton.

NEWCASTLE (4-4-2): Given - Made two quality saves from Armstrong. 9

Elliott - Suspect at times. 6

O'Brien - Steady and impressive at the back. 8

Dabizas - Made a hash of a second half back pass. 5

Hughes - Developing into a good right back. 6

Robert - Never really got going. 6

(Bernard 58 - Adapted well and posed problems. 6)

Speed - Fine display in the middle of the pitch. 8

Lee - Did not put a foot wrong. 6

Solano - A tricky customer down the wing. 7 (Dyer 80)

Bellamy - His pace frightened the Ipswich defence. 8

Shearer - Quiet but impressive in the air. 6

Subs not used: Harper, Ameobi, Distin.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Shay Given - Made the blocks when called upon.