KEVIN IS THE MEAL DEAL

Jean Keegan's reward was a meal at the posh Fisherman's Lodge eaterie in Jesmond!

And Keegan added: "Viduka's goal was superb, a great finish. He has great feet and you can't teach kids that kind of thing easily.

"Having him back from injury is huge for us because he gives us something nobody else can.

Critics

"He is different from anyone else in the Premier League and his goal was just typical.

"And Michael is the best in the world at nipping ahead of his marker. His goal was typical Michael Owen.

"People keep questioning these great players but they keep answering. And Michael has answered a few more critics today. He is totally committed and he's led this team fantastically.

"He's a great skipper and not just because of all the things he shouts but because of the example he sets.

"I've been saying for a long time what I think of Michael Owen. He'd certainly be in most people's England sides and he's definitely in form.

"His record for Newcastle must be nearly a goal every two games. That's a hell of a strike rate for someone who's had an interrupted time at this club with injuries."

The win lifted Newcastle into 13th spot and Keegan added: "While it does not mean we're out of danger it takes the pressure off everyone at the club.

"The players' abilities have been questioned and my ability as a manager has been questioned but that's what you lay yourself open to if you don't get results. More than anything it gives everyone a boost.

"We've still got a lot of work to do but it gave us a feeling of relief."

Viduka struck with just six minutes gone to claim his sixth, and most important, goal of the season to extend Fulham's wait for an away league win to 32 games.

And Owen calmed the nerves with an 83rd-minute header.

Keegan added: "We showed a lot of character and thoroughly deserved the win.

"The fans were excellent again. In a normal season they wouldn't have been happy with what we're doing but this isn't a normal season and they understand that."

Double

Three points were banked for the first time since December 15 as the Magpies completed a double over Fulham.

The final whistle sparked delirious celebrations on Tyneside and left Keegan with a huge smile on his face.

"Michael is a team player — we have asked him to play a different role and it is not: ‘Oh, well it's not what I do' it is: ‘Yes, I will do that' and he is playing it very, very well.

"What he needs is to be at a club which is successful and scores goals. Today, he is at a club that has been successful on the day and he has scored a goal.

"This idea that Michael is not as sharp as he was has been dispelled."

A 32nd consecutive away league game without a victory left Fulham deep in trouble but manager Roy Hodgson far from ready to throw in the towel.

He said: "We were two points behind Bolton and we are now three points adrift. Birmingham, who were four points ahead of us at the start of the day are still four points ahead.

"We have got seven games to play. But it was a significant move for Sunderland, with their excellent win at Aston Villa, so we have lost touch with them.

"But having said that, seven matches, a lot of things can happen. We have got to keep believing that our football can get us out of this situation."