Newcastle United manager Bobby Robson heaped praise on his captain-fantastic Alan Shearer after the former England international blasted his side back into Champions League contention to set up a nail-biting Group E finale. Maksim Shatskikh had given the visitors the lead two minutes after half time, but Gary Speed equalised with a brave header in the 58th minute before Shearer secured victory ten minutes later with a penalty after he was fouled by Andrii Husin.
Robson said: "We have some very good penalty kickers in the side, but obviously he's the best. He's the calmest and coolest and probably the strongest personality, with respect to everyone else, because he's been in that position so many times, taking important penalties throughout his career for club and country, so I didn't think he would fail us."
The net result of United's win and Juventus' 2-0 victory over Feyenoord is that Robson's side must win in Rotterdam and hope Kiev do not beat the Italians if they are to go through to the second phase, although a single point will clinch third spot and a UEFA Cup place.
The bad news for Newcastle on the night came in the form of injuries to central defenders Titus Bramble and Andy O'Brien. However, a five-day gap until the derby clash with Middlesbrough should give them time to recover.
Filed by James Boylan.
