TEL HAILS BRILLIANT BOKSIC

MIDDLESBROUGH head coach Terry Venables paid tribute to the class of Croatian centre forward Alen Boksic after his two goals set the Teessiders on the way to a fantastic 2-1 victory at Newcastle, and handed the visiting boss success in the battle of the two former England managers.

Nolberto Solano's 86th minute penalty miss proved crucial for the home side, after Boro had been reduced to ten men at the end of the first half, when Phil Stamp was sent off for his second bookable offence.

"We've had two derbies here and missed two penalties," complained Toon chief Bobby Robson, in reference to Alan Shearer's spot kick agony against Sunderland earlier in the campaign.

"But I don't criticise people for missing penalties."

Venables' mood was predictably more upbeat, as he credited his side for their effort and organisation, with Boskic providing the cutting edge and world class ability in attack.

"We set our stall out very well," said Venables. "Boksic got two excellent goals.

"It was good movement for the header and, with a free kick from 25 yards, you always fancy him.

"It is terrific to have a player of his quality to do that but the rest of the team did their part.

"We were down to ten men, under pressure and the crowd is very supportive. You know you might get decisions against you and they did.

"We were fortunate they did not take advantage with the penalty.

"Once you're down to ten men in any game, it is hard. They say it is easier with ten men sometimes but, if that was the case, you might as well have nine men!"

Dean Windass, Boro's new recruit from Bradford, missed the game through injury, incredibly hurting his back when getting his kit-bag out of the car.