Lee applauds return of Gazza

NewcastleE midfielder Rob Lee has backed Paul Gascoigne to haul Everton away from their seemingly annual battle against relegation.

Gascoigne made his return in Saturday's 1-1 draw against his first club after four months out with a troublesome groin injury and, while he was restricted to a late appearance as a substitute, he still came tantalisingly close to carving out a last-minute winner for striker Francis Jeffers.

'He was only on for the last 18 minutes but you could see why Everton have missed him so much,' said Lee. 'People go on about all the injuries he's had but he's still a great player and the one creative talent in the Everton team. I couldn't see them scoring until he went on.

'He is a class player and always will be. Everton will be clear of any relegation worries all the sooner if he stays fit.' For all the clear-cut chances which fell to Everton - and Jeffers, in particular - Newcastle looked home and dry after being gifted a 47th-minute lead by David Unsworth, who turned the ball into his own net after Paul Gerrard failed to hold on to Alan Shearer's drive. Little else went right for Shearer as Newcastle were ultimately pegged

back by an 84th-minute penalty, bravely taken by Unsworth, after Steve Caldwell was adjudged to have barged into Kevin Campbell.

After being denied a penalty of his own and being booked for failing to retreat at a free-kick, Shearer was still being given the runaround by referee David Elleray afterwards. He approached Elleray and was advised to cool off for half-an-hour before pursuing his grievances. When he finally knocked on the referee's door, the Harrow official had already showered and headed south.