JUBILANT Blackburn boss Graeme Souness paid a glowing tribute to his back four after they stopped Alan Shearer dead in his tracks to set up a vital 1-0 victory over Newcastle.

Rovers shrugged off the absence of Craig Short to keep their third clean sheet of the season at St James'.

And Souness singled out Markus Babbel in particular for praise after the former German international excelled in a central defensive role.

"I thought Markus Babbel was outstanding for us," said Souness.

"When we signed him, I wanted him to be a partner for Lorenzo Amoruso because I saw him as a centre half but, the way things have developed with injuries and suspensions, he ended up playing as a full-back for us.

"However, I do see him at this stage of his career as a centre-back and I thought he was excellent.

"We've played some good football this season but defensively we've been average at times.

"This time, we defended properly, which is unusual for us. Markus and Andy Todd were both outstanding and Lucas Neill and Vratty (Gresko) both did their jobs as well.

"Maybe the players they were playing against suited our back four.

"But they handled Alan Shearer as well as anyone would handle Alan Shearer because even at his age, he's still a handful and the type of player that centre backs don't like to play against."

Rovers ended up securing what was a crucial three points thanks to Paul Gallagher's match-winning goal in the 72nd minute.

Television replays later revealed that the 19-year-old striker put the ball in with his hand but although Souness conceded Rovers were lucky the goal was allowed to stand, he made no apologies for his side's good fortune.

"The goal was fortunate. I've seen a replay of it but I have to say this season we've enjoyed very little luck," said Souness.

"As the ball left the player's foot, I don't think Gally's intention was to put it in with his shoulder or whatever it hit.

"He was there wrestling with the defender and fortunately for us, it went in. But as I've said, we've not had any luck this year. We've had no penalties and no real breaks of the ball."

Now Souness hopes the win will prove to be the launchpad for a steady climb up the table in the New Year.

"We feel as though we've not really started yet. We are hoping we'll now kick on from here during the second half of the season."