NEWCASTLE United enter uncharted territory today when they go into the draw for the second group stage of the Champions League, with skipper Alan Shearer insisting that Sir Bobby Robson's babes won't be intimidated by the big boys.

Geordie idol Shearer enjoyed what he freely admits was one of the greatest nights of his career as United joined Europe's true elite in the last 16 of the competition for the first time in their history.

Wednesday's incredible 3-2 victory over Dutch giants Feyenoord at De Kuip, courtesy of a dramatic last-gasp goal from Craig Bellamy, had Tyneside and the travelling Toon Army in ferment on an unforgettable night.

United are now relishing the mouth-watering prospect of home-and-away duels with the likes of European champions Real Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

Robson's side became the first to qualify for the second round after losing their opening three first-stage group games.

And Shearer declared: "We really are in with the big boys now - but we won't be frightened.

"We're going to get some big sides in this league, but we can hold our own.

"We know we have three huge teams to face but anything can happen, particularly at home in front of our crowd. We've proved that by beating Juventus and Dynamo Kiev.''

Former England captain Shearer, still waiting for his first goal in open play in the Champions League, helped set up Bellamy's initial strike against Feyenoord as the Welsh international went about bagging a brace on his return from injury.

Hugo Viana doubled United's lead, but they collapsed in the face of a furious Feyenoord onslaught and at one stage looked like losing before Bellamy intervened again.

Shearer said: "It was just a great evening and a great occasion - one of the best nights in Newcastle's history.

"Nights like these don't come along very often. For me, personally, it was one of those great nights - right up there with anything.

"I've had six-and-a-half years here. I've had some disappointments and some good times too, but this was amazing because of the sheer excitement, the way the game went and what we have achieved after losing our first three games. That's something that's never been done before.

"If I'm honest, I have to say that I didn't think we could do it. Having lost the first three games, only an idiot would have said we would qualify.

"I always said we had a chance, but that it was a huge mountain to climb.''

Shearer maintains that United's triumph here is proof they are on the cusp of an exciting new era.

Bellamy, Viana, Kieron Dyer and Jermaine Jenas are in the vanguard of the young brigade, and Shearer added: "The potential is enormous when you look around at the young faces in the dressing room. We are improving all the time. The average age of the team is so young - there is only Gary Speed and me lifting the age-level up.

"If we can keep hold of everyone, the future looks very good. The task of keeping people will be made easier with this sort of success.''

Midfielder Speed, at 33 a year older than Shearer, stressed: "Even with a couple of codgers in the team, the average age is only 23-and-a-half.

"It's a very young team, but the talent is there. They have to keep their feet on the ground and keep improving, and if they do that, I have no doubt they will become top players.

"It's fantastic for the club, and I just hope they keep the likes of Hugo and JJ - who are still teenagers - for a long time.''

Speed, however, warned against the dangers of letting a two-goal lead slip again when United step into the rarefied atmosphere of the next phase.

"The big Italian and Spanish sides will punish us unless we are more astute,'' said the Wales skipper.

"But with people like Craig Bellamy, you always have a chance.''

Meanwhile, Dyer - who was watched at De Kuip by England number two Tord Grip - declared: "I really do hope we get Real Madrid in the draw - that would be fantastic."

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