Saints boss Gordon Strachan is adamant that if Alan Shearer had been playing for his side on Saturday, they would have beaten Newcastle.

The veteran former Saints striker turned in a magnificent display, leading the Magpies attack in their 2-1 St James' Park win over Strachan's men.

Although Shearer didn't score what would have been his 100th league goal for Newcastle, he was instrumental in his team's performance and reminded England fans just what they have missed since his decision to retire from international football.

Strachan said: "I can simplify this game... Shearer on our side we win, on their side they win. The game is as simple as that.

"It was a world class performance from him and we couldn't handle it.

"If he was on our side playing like that, we would have won.

"He makes everybody play around him play better.

"This game doesn't need analysis other than to say Shearer was brilliant and if he was on our side we would have won.

"I'm talking about everything about Shearer's game.

"You can take a video of his performance and show it any young player and say: 'this is how you play centre forward'."

Saints took the lead after only a minute when James Beattie brilliantly lashed home his sixth goal in six games from 20 yards.

But Newcastle struck either side of half time through Shola Ameobi and Aaron Hughes to take the three points.

Bobby Robson's men came into the game on the back of a draining 3-2 Champions League win over Fey-enoord on Wednesday but Strachan (pictured right) admitted: "I didn't really think it was a good day to play them.

"I've won European games in midweek and you feel good about yourself, so it never entered my head.

"We had a good start and created two or three good chances after the goal and, if we'd have got another one, it could have been our day.

"But we didn't take our chances, so we've only ourselves to blame."