Robson backs Jenas

Jermaine Jenas should return to the Newcastle side for Thursday's UEFA Cup clash with Valerenga after boss Sir Bobby Robson threw a protective arm around his midfield star at the weekend.

Prior to Saturday's 2-1 north east derby win over Middlesbrough at St James' Park, Jenas had previously been Newcastle's only ever-present outfield player this season.

Robson, though, felt the 21-year-old was looking jaded and was in desperate need of a break after failing to find the form which made him the PFA Young Player of the Year.

'I'm still very happy with Jermaine, but I thought he needed a rest so I gave him the weekend off,' explained Robson to The Journal.

'I don't think he wanted to miss out. I think he wanted to play every game from the start until the end of the season, but I did it to protect him.

'He is a little mentally and physically drained and so we left him out so he can recharge his batteries.

'There is no problem and I'm not angry with him at all. We know just what we've got with him and that's a top quality player.'

Robson, though, should restore Jenas to the starting line-up for the third-round first-leg tie against the Norwegians in Oslo.