Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez praised Dwight Gayle for playing through the pain barrier against Southampton.

Newcastle twice led on the south coast, through Isaac Hayden and then Ayoze Perez respectively, but Manolo Gabbiadini twice equalised for the Saints.

Benitez said, “I liked the team in a lot of the things that we did, but I'm not happy with the two goals that we conceded. But overall I think it was a good performance and a great game to watch for everyone.

“I'm happy too because the team finished strong in the box and were creating chances, even with Dwight Gayle when he had a little problem and we were playing with 10 players in the last 10 minutes.

“Pleased overall, but still we can improve."