Shearer dreams on

Shay Given, still recovering from the Republic of Ireland's devastating midweek defeat by Switzerland, looked a shadow of the goalkeeper named North East Footballer of the Year ahead of Shearer.

But the ex-England captain, whose goal milestone earned a standing ovation at Ewood, insisted: 'We showed a lot of bottle out there. Even though it collapsed around us after we'd got to 2-2, we showed the kind of character we'll need against Juventus.

'They were creaking at 2-2. It wasn't so much Blackburn winning the game, I think we gifted it to them.

'There were several individual mistakes, and we're not just talking about the goalkeeper and the back four.

'I hope we have learned that we can't afford to concede daft goals. If we cut out the silly mistakes I'm sure we can still achieve something in the Champions League.'

Newcastle badly need a touch of Shearer magic on Wednesday - they have failed to score in all three European ties. But having witnessed the resistance at Ewood, Robson said: 'This could act as a stimulus against Juventus, spur the lads on to show what they can really do. But more silly mistakes and we will be made to pay.'

Shearer's goals, a missile of a penalty and brilliant header, were more than matched by a midfielder once considered a Newcastle target and a centrehalf from the famously blackand-white Northumberland pit village of Ashington.

England prospect David Dunn, once linked with a move to St James', was at the heart of Blackburn's victory and contributed their first two goals.

Defender Martin Taylor, with Newcastle as a youngster, had a tough time trying to cope with Shearer. But the Geordie was on hand to volley home Blackburn's third before delivering an unstoppable header.

So Rovers fans had plenty to cheer, even burying the hatchet with former idol Shearer (112 goals in Blackburn colours). But the warmest salute was reserved for Matt Jansen, who played the last 25 minutes after recovering from a serious road accident.