Newcastle boss Alan Pardew hailed his side’s defensive display at Blackburn Rovers but admitted his disappointment at failing to grab all three points.

Fabricio Coloccini brought a brilliant save out of Paul Robinson and Peter Lovenkrands hit the post, but the goalless stalemate consigned last week’s 4-4 draw with Arsenal to distant memory.

Pardew joked: “I’m pleased with that after the performance against Arsenal.

"We’ve had enough excitement for one week. A dull game is just what we needed.

"We did really well in the second half against Arsenal and we took that into today's game.

He added: “It’s tinged with disappointment because our performance was really excellent.

"We stood up to them really well and bossed the movement and passing.”