Alan Shearer names ‘outstanding’ Newcastle United player alongside Premier League elite

Newcastle United brushed aside Leicester City 2-1 at the King Power Stadium to assert their command in the Champions League race. A quick-fire brace from Jacob Murphy and one from former Foxes ace Harvey Barnes produced the goods in the Midlands.

Results over the weekend gave the Magpies an opportunity to gain ground on their quest for a seat at UEFA’s top table next season. As it stands, the victory against Leicester puts Newcastle joint fourth, although they have a game in hand over their rivals.

Fifth spot will also be enough to ensure Champions League qualification following Arsenal’s win over Real Madrid. UEFA’s revamped coefficient system - which debuted last year - will reward an extra place to English clubs.

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With silverware already in the bag, earning Champions League qualification would arguably deliver Newcastle’s best season for almost a century. The Magpies have eight games to get over the line and set up an exciting summer at St James’ Park.

Beating Leicester was a step in the right direction, with Newcastle now having consecutive home fixtures against Manchester United and Crystal Palace. Club legend Shearer watched Monday’s win and named two Toon stars in his Premier League team of the week alongside Tottenham Hotspur forward Brennan Johnson and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.

“Outstanding,” he said about Livramento to the top flight’s website. “(He was) solid at the back and really added to Newcastle’s attacking play.

On Murphy, who scored twice, Shearer added: “His two early goals at Leicester added to what is already a wonderful season, having cemented his position in the Newcastle team.”

Defeat left the Foxes 15 points adrift and staring relegation to the Championship in the face. A dismal run under Ruud van Nistelrooy has resulted in Leicester losing eight consecutive home games without scoring a goal.

Jacob Murphy keeps producing the goods for Newcastle United

Murphy also opened up about his game under Howe and what Champions League qualification would mean this season. He told Sky Sports post-match: “It’s always nice to be putting up numbers. "I love assisting and the defensive side as well which I really pride myself on.

“So there’s been a combination of everything and regardless of what the numbers say I’ll always be content. I'm exactly where I need to be, at the back post tapping it in and contributing to the team.

“(The Champions League) is hugely important for us. We can see other English teams doing well in Champions League this season and we had a taste of that last year.

“We have eight games to go now, with no other distractions and I think we can put in a real challenge. It’s super tight at the moment, one game it could all change so we need to keep the momentum going and pressure on."

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