NEWCASTLE boss Bobby Robson showed his ruthless streak when he axed full-back Andy Griffin for Saturday's win at Leeds, writes CLIVE HETHERINGTON.

Robson revealed that Griffin had been the unlucky victim of a selection policy aimed at maximising the Magpies' strength against the home side's aerial menace.

Warren Barton was restored to the starting line-up at right-back and on-loan Wayne Quinn returned on the opposite flank after being ineligible for Wednesday's FA Cup exit at Aston Villa.

Surprisingly, Griffin wasn't even on the bench at Elland Road, but Robson explained: "I needed big people in the team because Leeds are good in the air.

"Unluckily for him, Griffin was left out. But he's very important to me. I've had a talk with him and he understands the situation.

"I'm happy with him. Against Ryan Giggs and David Ginola and Harry Kewell, he's been marvellous. I left Barton in because I needed a more in the air and Griff's a bit small.

"We needed people like Shola Ameobi, Alain Goma, Aaron Hughes, Gary Speed and Barton.

"On the bench, I felt we had to have a big defender in Marcelino and a midfield player in Christian Bassedas.

"And I felt if things went wrong, it would be up front, so we needed two strikers on the bench in Lomana Lualua and Daniel Cordone.''

Robson's decision was vindicated and the victory lifted his side into sixth place, prompting talk of a push for Europe.

But midfielder Speed, who shook off a calf injury to face his old club, believes the Magpies must eradicate their erratic form if they are to make genuine headway.

"We're just so inconsistent,'' said Speed. "It would be nice to win more than two games on the trot. We need to go on a run and make sure we improve our consistency.''

Leeds' unpredictability has been even more marked, but Speed said: "They've bought a lot of young players and David O'Leary needs time for them to gel. There's no doubt they'll be up there challenging in the future.''

Robson rated the win Newcastle's "best away performance of the season''.

He added: "That was near enough Leeds' best team. They had a lot of injuries early in the season and did well to stay in the Champions' League.

"They've come through a difficult period and I think they might do well in Europe. If I was David O'Leary I wouldn't be too disappointed about losing to us. He's got a good squad.''

Midfielder Clarence Acuna put Newcastle ahead just before half-time, and Speed said: "He's got better every game. He's come all the way from Chile and it takes time to settle in a foreign country.

"He got a great goal and his effort, commitment and desire in a Newcastle shirt were there for all to see.''

Meanwhile, Newcastle - and England - have received good news over the fitness of Kieron Dyer.

The midfielder, said to be valued at £22m by the Magpies, has been cleared to play on after a scan on a shin splint condition revealed no serious problem