NEWCASTLE boss Bobby Robson last night saluted debutant hero Steve Caldwell.

The 20-year-old Scot answered an SOS call from Robson after Aaron Hughes was sent home before the game with flu - and grabbed his chance by scoring United's winner in a seven-goal Worthington Cup thriller against Bradford at St. James' Park.

Caldwell volleyed home Daniel Cordone's corner from close range in the 72nd minute after Bradford fought back from 3-0 down in the third-round tie.

Robson said: "Hughes was ill - he was yellow when he came in. With Marcelino and Warren Barton injured and Nikos Dabizas out for the season, I was short at the back. I had to throw the kid in and he did well for me.''

Robson praised Bradford boss Chris Hutchings, threatened with the sack by chairman Geoffrey Richmond, for his bold decision to take off ineffectual strike duo Stan Collymore and Benito Carbone at half-time.

The gamble paid off with Ashley Ward, who scored twice, and Dean Saunders coming on.

Robson said: "I was surprised by the two substitutions - but the two who came on were better than the two who came off!

"All credit to their manager. He decided to go for it and made a game of it. I hope their chairman sticks with him. I think he has come out of this game with a lot of respect.''

Hutchings explained: "I took Collymore and Carbone off because they were not performing - simple as that.''

United now travel to First Division Birmingham, the scene of their exit from the competition at the third-round stage last season, in four weeks' time.

Robson said: "The competition means more to us this season because last year we were in Europe.

"We were also near the bottom of the Premiership then, but that's not the case now so we can fight on both fronts this time.''

Skipper Alan Shearer scored twice last night, but gave the ball away when Ian Nolan grabbed Bradford's first goal.

Robson said: "He played the wrong ball, but he's not used to giving back passes - he's used to putting the ball in the net at the other end!''

l Bradford chairman Geoffrey Richmond was rushed to hosptial after suffering a heart scare at St. James' Park last night.

The former Scarborough chief was attended by paramedics after the game before being admitted to a local coronary unit as a precaution.