Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer has issued a formal apology to manager Sir Bobby Robson following the row which overshaodowed the Magp8ies opening match of the season.

The gesture looks set to save Dyer’s career at St James’ Park, after it seemed he was about to be placedon the transfer market.

The bust-up between coach and player ocurred before Newcastle’s Premiership opener against Middlesbrough on Saturday when the 25-year-old midfielder refused to play on the right side of midfield. The player subsequently tossed aside the captain’s armband, a gesture which infuriated the Newcastle fans in the ground.

Dyer was booed every time he touched the ball during England’s friendly win over Ukraine at Newcastle on Wednesday.