Newcastle boss Bobby Robson was happy to settle for a point with Aston Villa on Tuesday, after seeing his side held 1-1 at Villa Park.

The Magpies remain three points clear of Chelsea in 5th place, and also have a game in hand.

"It was a valuable point. We would have liked three points but we wouldn''t have deserved them," said Robson.

"We are still on course for the fourth spot and, with a game in hand, the prospects are good. But we have to play with courage and conviction.

"We were indebted again to Alan Shearer. His performance of 199 goals in the Premiership is a tremendous achievement, particularly when you remember he was absent for two seasons.

"Villa played with a lot of skill and enthusiasm. Their young striker Peter Crouch had a good game and I was glad when he came off." He added