Robson has revived Newcastle's fortunes

"It's a great reward for the players for what they did last year, and I'm delighted for them. They deserve to be where we are."

Robson was quick to play down his role in United's revival, but he admitted: "I think the club was a bit ill when I first came here.

"We've changed the philosophy, the atmosphere and we've changed the personnel dramatically.

Goals from Kieron Dyer, Lomana Lua Lua, Hugo Viana and Alan Shearer ultimately gave Newcastle a comfortable passage into European football's elite.

England midfielder Dyer said: "We did a professional job and it feels great.

"It is the biggest club competition in the world and we are going to be playing against the best players and the best teams."

Robson certainly believes Dyer has the talent to shine on the European stage.

"He was the instigator of many of our best moves against Zeljeznicar.

"He ran riot really, they couldn't hang on to him. He's got the world at his feet."