JERMAINE JENAS insists that Jonny Wilkinson still has some way to go before he dethrones Newcastle United's Alan Shearer as the "King of Tyneside''.

The goal-kicking heroics of Newcastle Falcons fly-half Wilkinson thrilled the nation as he clinched victory for England over Australia in the Rugby Union World Cup final in Sydney.

The United players filled in the hours ahead of their home game against Manchester City by watching the drama unfold Down Under.

But midfielder Jenas revealed that they were forced to miss part of the later stages of England's triumph when the final went into extra-time and they had to report for duty at St. James' Park.

Skipper Shearer capped the perfect day for the North-East when he scored twice in United's 3-0 win over Kevin Keegan's City.

And Jenas declared: "Alan is still the King of Tyneside - but Jonny is catching him up. England's win was phenomenal, but we're not too fussed on the rugby.''

United's win lifted them to sixth in the Premiership and 20-year-old Jenas, who signed a new five-year deal on Friday, admitted: "It's a big boost. The lads are working hard and sixth place is our reward.

"I would agree with what Alan said, that the top three can't be caught. But we can still aim for fourth place and a Champions League spot.''

Shearer's double salvo came in the last quarter of an hour after Shola Ameobi had given United the lead. Left-back Olivier Bernard supplied the deliveries for both Shearer goals and winger Laurent Robert set up Ameobi.

"The last 20 minutes was brilliant - we were on fire,'' said Jenas. "It was our best performance of the season. The two Frenchmen on the left were outstanding. I can't remember anyone getting past Olivier and he set up two goals.''

Jenas is grateful to Sir Bobby Robson for keeping faith with him after he gave away costly penalties in the defeats at Everton and Arsenal early this season.

He said: "I had a decent season last year and I've been rewarded by the club. When you make mistakes, confidence can dip and I know those errors cost us big points.

"But the stronger-minded you are, the better you bounce back. It was nice that the manager stuck by me. We had a lot of injuries at the time and I expected I would still be selected because of that. It might have been different if everyone had been available.

"It was clever man-management."

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