Robson hails Woody as missing link

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson predicted Jonathan Woodgate would be a mainstay of the club's defence for the next five years.

Speaking as his nine-million-pound (15-million-dollar) capture finalised his move from Leeds, Robson said the England defender could be the missing link for his side -- currently thrilling going forward but fragile at the back.

"He is the right age for us, 23, in common with a lot of our really young players," Robson said. "We are trying to build for a long, successful, happy future."

"He is an England centre-half and that helps. We have a lot of foreign players here but we need a good mix. It is an important day for him and the club."

Woodgate has struggled in recent weeks with a thigh injury but Robson is unconcerned about his current fitness.

"In two to three weeks time he will be fit. We are not buying him for the next few weeks, we are buying him for the next five years."