NEWCASTLE boss Graeme Souness last night branded his defenders "dopes" after their failings again robbed his side of a much-needed win at Ewood Park.

Despite twice taking the lead through Kieron Dyer and Laurent Robert, the Magpies were forced to settle for a point after goals from Paul Dickov and Andy Todd hauled Blackburn back onto level terms.

Newcastle have been shipping goals all season - Todd's second-half strike made it 37 in 19 Premiership games - but, even by their own lax standards, United's defenders were especially ineffective as Dickov cancelled out Dyer's early opener before the break.

Barry Ferguson rolled a free-kick into the heart of the penalty area and, with Newcastle's back four at sixes and sevens, Dickov was left all alone to guide the simplest of finishes past Given.

"When I was at Liverpool, when the ball went dead and we were in possession we would say 'Look for the dope'," blasted Souness, who must now restore his side's sapping confidence ahead of Wednesday night's home game with Arsenal. "There will be a dope somewhere.

"It's a crime when you turn your back on the play, when you knock off or when you try to take a breather.

"At this level, you get punished. We were punished. It was a poor goal to concede. Some of the players turned their backs - that is not acceptable."

United's defensive failings overshadowed Laurent Robert's efforts on his return to the side.

The French international was integral to everything Newcastle did well before the break, scoring a fantastic free-kick and supplying the pass that allowed Dyer to run free for the opener.

Souness has constantly questioned Robert's desire since replacing Sir Bobby Robson three months ago but, after the pair exchanged words earlier this week, the Scot gave his left winger one more chance to prove himself yesterday.

He took that opportunity but, while Robert's attacking talents have rarely been called into question, Souness still expressed reservations about his defensive value when the going gets tough.

"Laurent Robert had a hand in the first goal - a great pass - and scored a goal," he said. "We know that he can do these things when we are bossing games.

"My beef with him is when we're not bossing games, when it's all hands to the pump, as it was at the start of the second half. That's where we don't always see eye to eye. But we cannot diminish the influence he had on this game."

The point leaves Newcastle languishing in the bottom half of the table, but at least ensured Souness would not suffer too badly on his return to Ewood Park.

"We have to be happy with the result," he said. "It was a difficult game. Blackburn are physical and positive in their approach and we, for the most part, matched them in that.

"It was the same old story from us.

"We got in front and were looking to build on the lead and then we conceded a poor goal which allowed them back into the game.

"At the start of the second half they were well on top but we weathered the storm and made changes which made us more solid and less vulnerable.

"I've seen some old friends. I had four happy years here. It was nice to go back and nice to come away with something."

Read more about Newcastle United FC here.