Alan Shearer fired Newcastle to a convincing win over Middlesbrough which saw the Magpies soar to third in the Premiership table.

The former England skipper blasted home in the 38th minute to set up a 3-1 win over their North East rivals, but insisted Newcastle would settle for a place in the top six come the end of the season.

He admitted: ''It gave us a good start and we thoroughly deserved the three points. I came here very refreshed after a 16-day break - the longest for 10 years - so long may the goals continue.

''We certainly won't win the league I think the top of the league has a familiar look about it already but we will keep going.

''Success for us would be to finish in the top seven or top six and if we can keep playing like we did tonight who knows.''

A header from Alain Goma settled matters and Kieron Dyer wrapped it up after being set up by substitute Lomana Lua Lua before Brian Deane scored an injury-time consolation. Dyer said: ''It was a perfect night for Newcastle, the fans, the management team and the players. I thought we were magnificent.''

Magpies boss Bobby Robson added: ''A year ago we were almost bottom, so we have made great strides. If we can finish sixth I will be pleased. It was probably our best performance of the season''

Robson also praised the sublime skills of Lua Lua, the 19-year-old striker signed from Colchester.

''He has to learn how to be a team player, but he has such spontaneous ideas in his head, he's magic.

''We will let him do his party tricks we will not take that away from him because he's mesmeric. We have found a jewel.''

Boro boss Bryan Robson said: ''For some reason the lads are not confident at home, but it's a different story when we go away and we need to put it right.''

"They were the better team, they were brighter and better at passing it on the day than we were. They have changed their system to cope against us and it has worked.''

l Jonathan Woodgate has revealed the Leeds players will all be thinking of the two supporters murdered on the club's last visit to Istanbul when they face Besiktas tomorrow.

Just over six months have passed since Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight were stabbed to death in Taksim Square on the eve of United's UEFA Cup semi-final first leg against Galatasaray.

It was an horrific night which shook the footballing world and will never be forgotten by those who were in the Turkish city on that fateful occasion.

The 2-0 defeat was of little consequence as violence sadly proved to be the ultimate 'winner', with the sport left hanging its head in shame.

Now Leeds return to 'the scene of the crime' to face Besiktas in the Champions League, and with both clubs having taken every precaution to ensure there is no troubled repeat. Despite a 500-ticket allocation, just 180 supporters are bothering to go back, although they are to be kept off the streets as a boat trip has been organised between the airport and the Inonu Stadium as part of their 'same-day' package return.

Woodgate frankly admits ''it is going to be an emotional trip''.

He said: ''We're expecting another intimidating atmosphere like the one against Galatasaray. You expect that for any away game, although it will probably be worse in Turkey. But there will be no fears.''