GRAHAM Westley insists he is not concerned with any potential bias from Premier League referee Andre Marriner on Saturday.

The Boro boss was asked whether he felt Saturday’s official may be inclined to subconsciously favour the Magpies due to Marriner having a more frequented relationship with their players in the top flight.

However, Westley refuted any suggestion of this and says it will not be an issue his team are concerned about.

“I think referees have got the hardest job in the world,” said Westley.

“You often hear sides saying they (referees) know the players’ names. Well, if a referee officiates at Premier League level then they’re going to know their names.

“Referees at League 2 level know our names.

“I think referees are the most honest bunch of men in one of the most downtrodden and toughest jobs you can get.

“We at this football club have a healthy respect for every official. Sometimes they can give what you regard as good decisions and sometimes they can give what you regard as bad decisions but our focus is well away from referees and we trust them to do their jobs properly and our focus is on the things we can control.

“We scored a goal the other week which was two yards over the line and it wasn’t given. Stuff happens in football and I’m sure that’s because the official didn’t give it then he obviously didn’t see it cross the line.

“I’ve refereed games at kids’ level for my boy and I had decisions that I found difficult to make so they do a good, honest job.

“I think we should take our attention off the referees because they’ll do a job at the weekend to the best of their ability and if they get the odd thing wrong – in our favour or against us – then we’ll have to cope with that.”