Keegan thrilled with performance

Geordie boss Kevin Keegan has hailed his team following their 3-0 victory over Reading.

He said: "The players deserved everything they got,"

"Without ever reaching the heights of the Tottenham performance, we played some good football, we defended well when we had to, and we limited a committed Reading side to one shot on goal.

"The front three all got a goal apiece, and the midfield I thought were superb.

"Joey Barton got man of the match but I think you could have given it to four or five players.

"I thought Habib Beye was outstanding. If there's a better right-back in the Premier League than him, I'm sure there are one or two, but I'm not sure they are playing as well as he is."

He added: "We've got the confidence and belief that comes with getting a few results. There's no way you could look at that squad of players, with the quality and experience we have, and say they can't play good football.

"They just lost their way a bit. Some results hurt, like conceding six goals in the second half against Manchester United.

"They've taken a lot of knocks, even since I've been here, but they've not felt sorry for themselves and they've bounced back."