PATRICK KLUIVERT'S touch of genius was a constant highlight during Newcastle United's 2-1 Carling Cup success over Norwich last night, and his performance left manager Graeme Souness purring.

The Magpies' Dutch striker was a joy to watch as he repeatedly brought the ball under control in an instant, and passed it around with the sort of technique only associated with a player who has graced stages such as the San Siro and the Nou Camp.

It was his awesome backheel that played Darren Ambrose in before the midfielder was brought down in the penalty area as half-time approached - Shola Ameobi stepped up and converted to put Newcastle two goals to the good.

And Kluivert was making his first appearance since the 2-2 draw with Birmingham on October 3 and Souness -whose side now face a mouthwatering fourth round tie with Chelsea at St James' Park - could not believe the standard of performance from his striker.

"Kluivert is a class act. People enjoy watching him play football and I'm no different," said Souness. "He has not done any hard training, he was out with a hamstring problem and then he had his wisdom teeth out.

"He's not been able to train with the rest of the group and he's come in and for a good hour he's been outstanding, absolutely outstanding.

"He contributed to some fantastic football. Some of our approach play was excellent. It was a matter of time before we scored goals.

"The 2-1 scoreline suggests it was a close game but we were dominant throughout. There was only one team in that game for long periods."

Kluivert was not the only man to come in for praise from his manager. Souness added: "Ronny Johnsen was exceptional, given he has not played a game of football for us and it's nearly November.

"Also at the back Titus Bramble did really well for his first start for the season but Ronny deserves a special mention."

Newcastle's success at St James' Park last night booked their place in the next stage of the Carling Cup - despite a number of first team regulars rested, including captain Alan Shearer.

But Souness insists finishing in the top four and claiming a Champions League place this season remains the club's priority.

"We have got a very hard programme coming up and we tried to rest players with the programme in mind," said Souness, whose side take on Chelsea on November 9/10 on Tyneside in the next round.

"We got away with changing things, we have to see if we get away with it next time. The number one target is to qualify for the Champions League.

"We are still unbeaten since I came but let's see how these players dig in when the run comes to an end. Then it is time to see what they are made of. At a club like this there's no hiding place when you lose. When the going gets tough that's when you see what they are made of."

* Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan hit out at his players after last night's Carling Cup loss to Arsenal.

City were beaten 2-1 at Eastlands after second half goals from Robin van Persie and debutant Daniel Karbassiyoon.

Robbie Fowler netted a consolation late on but Keegan could not hide his disappointment at losing to an under-strength Gunners side.

The former England boss said afterwards: ''We asked a few of the senior professionals to help the young players out tonight but in the end it was the kids helping them out - it was just a bad night.

''Everyone talks about the kids they have got but they were almost drawing confidence on the the back of us because so we were so inept.

''There were some very disappointing performances there from players in City shirts.

''We are struggling to find too many players who played at a level that is acceptable.

''I know we were playing Arsenal but we were not playing the Arsenal we played three weeks ago. I'm very disappointed tonight.

''We will go back to the drawing board. We have got to pick them up when they stop believing in themselves.

''We will pick out the bad points and come out fighting against Norwich on Monday.''

* Crystal Palace heaped further misery on misfiring Charlton by dumping their local rivals out of the Carling Cup with a result that will leave Addicks boss Alan Curbishley fuming.

The Eagles fielded only Ben Watson from the team which defeated West Brom 3-0 in the Barclays Premiership on Saturday, leaving little doubt of the significance Iain Dowie had placed on last night's competition.

But even what was effectively Palace reserves proved too strong for the ailing Addicks who saw their Hermann Hreidarsson opener bettered by goals from Dougie Freedman and Sandor Torghelle either side of the interval. Torghelle was sent off for a blatant dive in the 70th minute to bring his evening to a disappointing end but only after guaranteeing the club's place in the fourth round.

Read more about Newcastle United FC here.