FA Cup 5th Round: Blackburn Rovers v Newcastle United - Andy Neild's big match preview

BOBBY Robson may be old enough to draw a pension these days but his passion for football is stronger than ever.

Three weeks ago tonight, the former England boss sat glued to the TV at Newcastle's Kingston Park training ground as Rovers' epic FA Cup fourth round clash against Liverpool unfolded before his eyes.

Pandemonium then broke out as Nathan Blake's late winner meant United faced a trip to Ewood rather than Anfield in round five.

And there was no disguising Robson's delight as he emerged from the VIP lounge sporting a grin as wide as the Tyne, arms raised aloft, as he performed a neat little soft-shoe shuffle.

Those there to see it were instantly reminded of the same little jig which greeted David Platt's last second winner which defeated Belgium in Italia 90.

But more importantly for United fans, it showed the veteran tactician has been bitten by Cup fever again.

Newcastle were a club in turmoil at the start of the season under Ruud Gullit.

But thanks to Robson's shrewd managerial skills, the fog on the Tyne has now lifted and they come to Ewood tonight brimming with confidence as they chase a third successive FA Cup final appearance in as many years.

Robson, himself, would love a last waltz under the Twin Towers.

But though he admits he much preferred a trip to Ewood rather than a visit to Anfield, he has a lot of respect for the way his opposite number Tony Parkes has rescued Rovers' season. "You have to respect Blackburn's result at Liverpool - if we had achieved that we would have been very proud," said Robson.

"Tony Parkes has done a Houdini act at Blackburn yet again.

"He has been manager before and always pulls the club around on and off the field.

"They got whacked at Barnsley in their last game but we lost at Wimbledon when we should have won so both teams have something to prove.

"Hand on heart, we've got to say that the result at Anfield worked in our favour.

"But then again, if Blackburn can go and win at Anfield, it's not going to be easy for us, is it?

"So it's a huge game with little between the two teams.

"And it's a great draw for Alan Shearer and Kevin Gallacher to face their old club, as it is for Darren Peacock and Keith Gillespie."

One of the main reasons for the resurgence of Newcastle under Robson is the form of Rovers' old boy Shearer.

Earlier in the season, the England captain looked jaded and disinterested amid scarcely concealed differences of opinion with the controversial Gullit.

But now he's buzzing again and aiming to gun down his old club.

And Robson is delighted with the way he has responded since his arrival five months ago. "Alan was not playing like the Alan Shearer we know when I came here and that was having a knock on effect on the rest of the team," said Robson.

"But I always knew I could turn him around because I knew the material I was working with.

"It wasn't raw material, it was class and we just modified his game.

"We've got him on the half turn now and he makes better runs.

"With movement in his game and better passes, he is back in top shape again.

"Alan's game is not only about goals but he enjoys scoring them better than anything.

"When you see him turn with that smile on his face and his left hand in the air, that's the best picture anybody could have of him

"And though I'm not saying he's the best finisher I've ever worked with, he's up there with the likes of Romario and Ronaldo and others like them."

Shearer is certainly in no doubt about the impact Robson has made.

And he and his team-mates would love to repay him by getting him back to Wembley.

"There is no doubt the manager has revived some careers here - my own included," said Shearer.

"I was going static and stale - along with other people at the club.

"Drastic changes were necessary and Bobby has come in and made them.

"I keep praising him, so does everyone, but he deserves it - and a lot more.

"You can see the players are giving 30-40 per cent more in their performances now - and that is a great tribute to Bobby Robson."

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