Bramble salutes the captain

Last updated : 27 February 2003 By Martyn Elliott

"He showed what a good player he is tonight," Titus told The Journal.

"And it is no more than he deserves after all the hard work he has put in for the side in Europe this season.

"It must have been frustrating for him to miss two games through suspension, but he has come straight back into the side and got the goals which won us the game.

"It is difficult to believe they are his first goals from open play in the Champions League.

"But he has well and truly ended that record now, so people can stop talking about it."

"As well as Alan's goals I thought one of the major factors in our victory was the work of Shola Ameobi.

"He is growing with each game and we know that we always have him to come into the side if we have any injuries."

It seems the winning run has generated a bit of a mutual love-in at St James’ Park, with Shearer and Craig Bellamy full of praise for the defence after the win at Leeds, the back line paying tribute to the forwards and everybody delighted with Kieron Dyer.