NEWCASTLE fans have always loved entertainers so it's no surprise they've taken French winger Laurent Robert immediately to their hearts.

Manager Bobby Robson had originally targeted Boudewijn Zenden as the man to provide some much-needed balance down the left flank in the summer.

But when the Dutchman then opted for Chelsea instead, he immediately switched his attentions to Robert who signed in a £10 million deal from Paris St Germain.

And, after some inspired performances on the left, the Geordie faithful are already drawing favourable comparisons between him and former fans favourite David Ginola.

Blessed with wonderfully quick feet, the Frenchman has already weighed in with a handful of goals.

But his trickery on the wing has also earned United three penalties during their march up the Premier League table.

However, Rovers also boast their own flying winger in the shape of Damien Duff.

And the supply from the flanks has been one of the key factors in achieving excellent results against Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool this season.