Robson urges Bowyer to get mean

Bowyer is yet to make an impact with Newcastle

Newcastle's Lee Bowyer is struggling with form because he is trying to avoid trouble, manager Bobby Robson claims.

"In trying to present a clean image of himself, Lee's not been as effective," Robson quoted as saying in the Newcastle-based Sunday Sun newspaper.

"Because of his reputation, he's trying to be perfect. He's not getting involved and not putting his foot in."

In 2001, Bowyer was cleared of all charges after a court case following an assault on a student in Leeds in 2000.

The former West Ham player is serving a six-match European ban for stamping on a Malaga player last December when he was at Leeds.

Meanwhile, Robson, said he had been affected by the criticism directed at him after Newcastle's poor start to the season.

"It's the way things are these days, but I did not expect it at Newcastle," said the manager.

Have your say on the 606 Premiership page