Shearer proud to equal Milburn's record

Newcastle United captain Alan Shearer said he felt immensely proud at equalling Jackie Milburn's scoring record for the north-east club and would cherish the achievement for the rest of his life.

The 35-year-old former England skipper struck his 200th goal for Newcastle in the 1-0 third round FA Cup win over Mansfield Town at St James' Park on Saturday to equal Milburn's record set in 1957.

"I'm immensely proud to be sat up there now alongside the great Jackie Milburn because it's a great achievement," Shearer told reporters.

"I was brought here to score goals and thankfully that's what I've been doing for the last 10 years now but when I came here and signed no way in a million years did I think I'd be up there alongside Jackie Milburn.

"I am really pleased it was here at St James' Park and if I'd had a choice it would be here in front of the Gallowgate End where I used to stand as a kid and watch my heroes and that's how it worked out."

Shearer's 200th goal came in his 389th appearance for his hometown club.

"When I was growing up all everybody talked about was how great Jackie Milburn was," Shearer added.

"It wouldn't bother me at all if I didn't score again because just to see my name alongside the great Jackie Milburn is a great honour for me.

"Thanks to the goal that of Saturday will be an afternoon I will cherish for the rest of my life. It was fantastic. All my family was there which was important."

Shearer's 80th minute goal against fourth division Mansfield also eased some of the pressure that was mounting on manager Graeme Souness following Newcastle's erratic form this season by securing a place in the FA Cup fourth round draw.

"You might not believe me but the fact that it was the winner and that put us into the next round is probably more important than me equalling the record so I am a very happy man right now," said Shearer.

"It has been a tough time for us recently. No one is trying to hide that fact. We're not playing great, silky football but in the FA Cup it's all about getting through to the next round and we've done that.

"Now we've got another week to get a few more players off the treatment table and fit again and work on one or two things. You don't get anywhere without hard work.

"We're lacking a bit of quality and that's there for all to see but the longer the weeks and days go on we might get the ball players out again and start picking up the points to help us climb the table."

Newcastle are languishing in 11th place in the Premier League with seven wins and five draws from 20 matches.

"I'm not sure what went through my mind when I scored the goal," added Shearer. "It was mainly relief if I am honest both for the team and also for the record because it's been a couple of weeks now since I last scored.

"I was aware of it and the longer it goes on the more pressure is heaped upon you."