Alan Shearer felt Blackburn Rovers were the better team against Newcastle United and insists they will have no fear about relegation if they can replicate that display.

Rovers took the Magpies all the way to penalties in the fifth round of the FA Cup, losing 4-3 after a 1-1 draw after extra time. John Eustace's side had plenty of opportunities to win the game and performed heroically.

Martin Dubaravka was Newcastle's saviour in 90 minutes whilst Aynsley Pears stepped up in extra-time. In the end, the Premier League edged out the win on penalties.

Shearer, who was the centrepiece of the tie having played for both clubs, felt that Rovers were excellent and the better team on the night.

VERDICT: Rovers display gives Eustace the one thing he needs most

"I feel for Blackburn, Newcastle owe Dubravka a lot, he has been their best player tonight," he said on BBC One.

"He pulled off some wonderful saves during 90 minutes and extra-time and then two penalty saves.

"They owe him a huge debt, they're in the next round because of him. John Eustace had them really well organised, they made it really tough for Newcastle, at times.

"They were the better team, certainly in the 90 minutes. They had the better chances. Both teams had big chances in extra-time which they failed to put away. 

"Great credit to Blackburn and to John Eustace. If they keep playing like that for the rest of the season, they will be fine and have no relegation worries at all."

Micah Richards and Gary Lineker concurred with Shearer, heaping praise on Rovers' display.

"It's so tough, they put in a great effort," Richards said.

"It looked like Newcastle were on top but they dug deep, they got it to penalties and I feel so sorry for Hyam.

"The pressure of taking a penalty, it's not a nice way to go out. If they play like that in the Championship they'll have no problems.

"Szmodics was one of the best players on the pitch. He missed but they can take so much confidence from their general play. They defended brilliantly and had good chances in transition. Some good performances overall."

Lineker added: "They deserve credit do Blackburn. It was an inspirational performance at times against higher opposition.

"Blackburn and John Eustace deserve a lot of credit. They did their team proud."