IT'S A return to Premiership action on Monday as Boro face Newcastle at the Riverside with all the passion of the first top-flight North-East derby of the season.

And Bryan Robson is anticipating an exciting 90 minutes.

"All our players know how much it means to the fans and I am sure that Bobby Robson will make sure that Newcastle are up for the match," he said. "It is an ideal time to get our home form right and the lads are determined to make Monday a night for the fans to remember."

Robbie Mustoe is a veteran of Tyne-Tees encounters and said: "One of my first games was against Newcastle at Ayresome Park. I scored a couple of goals and that was one of my early highlights at Boro. At St James Park we seemed to struggle a bit, but on our own patch we have had some good results."

Mustoe is pleased to have reclaimed a place in the side. He said: "I had my testimonial last season but I stressed at the time that it wasn't the end of my career."

And Gary Pallister is ready to put the Magpies to flight. "It means something special to beat local rivals. The atmosphere will be excellent," he said. "Newcastle come into the game after a win at Manchester City but we will be up for the game."

The match is on Monday at the Riverside, kick-off 8pm