UNITED skipper Alan Shearer was quick to praise the Magpies' defence following Saturday's 1-0 success at Middlesbrough.

Shearer's strike partner Shola Ameobi gave United the points with a 21st minute effort, but the captain was keen to compliment the defence and goalkeeper Shay Given on their performance.

"We always try to defend as a team, but the lads at the back have looked solid in the last few games," said Shearer.

"They did well again at Middlesbrough, and when Middlesbrough have got past them they have found Shay Given in fantastic form. He's pulled off some superb saves to help us win the game.

"We have won the last three games 1-0 against Southampton, Breda then Boro, and I think that underlines how well we've been doing. We're always confident that with the players we have in the squad of scoring goals, and if we can keep them out at the other end then we'll have a chance."

Shearer admitted that the performance was not pretty at the Riverside, but with one defeat in the last seven games he is happy with the way things are turning round.

"We had a bad start, but we're picking up now and we're slowly climbing up the table. It was a gritty performance from us, I think that's the best way to describe it, and naturally we're delighted to get the three points," he added.

"We knew Middlesbrough would make it tough for us, and prior to our goal they put us under a lot of pressure. Apart from Shola's goal, I think Titus had a header and that was about it for us as far as chances went.

"But that's what the successful teams do, they'll get that goal and preserve it. We had to roll the sleeves up and dig in, we battled and got stuck in and in the end we got the rewards.
 
"We've got a couple of days to prepare for the game at Fulham now, and we know that will be anothet tough game because Chris Coleman has got them playing well.

"But we're full of confidence at the moment, we're on a good run and we'll look forward to the game."