ASK any Newcastle United fan what the biggest plus to have come from the Magpies' draw at the Riverside Stadium on Sunday and the likelihood is that they will raise the same answer - Charles N'Zogbia.

The little Frenchman may be the subject of interest from Fulham ahead of this Friday's transfer deadline but manager Sam Allardyce should be not even contemplating selling him on.

It is true that N'Zogbia has had his temperament problems on Tyneside - highlighted by his infamous mobile phone incident at Fratton Park last season - but Allardyce appears to be the man to eradicate those.

If he can, and he can also ensure N'Zogbia continues to fulfil his enormous potential, then Newcastle not only have an extremely gifted all-round talent for the future, they could also have unearthed a real hidden defensive gem.

Regarded more as an attacker, N'Zogbia has played well at left-back this season while Newcastle wait for £4m signing Jose Enrique to find full fitness following his move from Villarreal.

And against Boro the youngster from Le Havre offered a further insight into the way he has adopted to the role being asked of him.

Unafraid to go on the attack - illustrated by the way he put Newcastle a goal up with an absolute diamond strike with his weaker right foot - he bares raw similarities to the wing play of Ashley Cole, with a better eye for goal.

Allardyce's biggest target now must be to ensure he also develops his defensive game. If he can do that then Enrique could find it difficult to oust one of Newcastle's biggest stars of the season so far.

Further forward and Mark Viduka reminded Boro what they missed out on with a flash of brilliance to score on his old ground, although Allardyce should seriously think again if he does sanction the sale of Obafemi Martins at some stage this week.

Michael Owen is yet to return to form and full fitness and Martins, who is clearly dissatisfied with the threat to his place from Owen, is a proven goalscorer more than capable of stepping in.

Allardyce must seriously consider the consequences if he is to sell the Nigerian this week. Only time will tell whether or not he does.