Alan Shearer delivers 'worrying' Newcastle United verdict after Blackburn Rovers FA Cup win

Alan Shearer was left uninspired by Newcastle United's performance after requiring penalties to edge past Blackburn Rovers in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The Magpies took the lead in the 71st minute when Anthony Gordon tapped home substitute Miguel Almiron's cross. However, the hosts quickly hit back when Sammie Szmodics reacted to fastest to what an excellent initial save by Martin Dubravka to deny Dilan Markanday.

Speaking before tie went to extra-time, Shearer told the BBC: "You've got to give Blackburn huge credit for the way they've come back into the game and actually been the better team.

"What worries me about Newcastle last year is time and time again we saw them outrun and outpower yet the last two or three months of this season and certainly tonight, we haven't seen anywhere near enough of that and they've looked really weak.

"The goal they gave away is typical of how they're playing and how they're giving goals away at the minute. That cannot be allowed to happen Lascelles, just stop it. Stop that ball going in behind you if you have to. It's such a basic error.

"I'm really worried being a Newcastle fan."

Both teams had chances to win the tie in extra time before Dubravka came up trumps in the shootout, denying both Szmodics and Dominic Hyam to send United into only their second FA Cup quarter final in 18 years. While Shearer expressed his delight at Eddie Howe's side's progression, he admitted the display did little to suggest Newcastle have improved on their poor form in the Premier League of late.

Shearer said: "I feel for Blackburn. Newcastle owe him [Martin Dubravka] a lot, he's been their best player, [he's] pulled some wonderful saves off during 90 minutes, extra-time and penalties. They're in the next round because of him.

"Massive result for Newcastle and for Eddie, they needed it. It's pretty worrying that they didn't look as though they had energy and they've been really struggled of late. I thought it was going to be the same tonight but that might just galvanise them and give them a bit of hope. Huge, huge win."