Newcastle United's Canadian youngster David Edgar has won praise from manager Alan Shearer after his performance in their 1-1 draw at Stoke City.

His decision to change the system and draft in the inexperienced Edgar alongside fit-again Sebastien Bassong and Habib Beye paid dividends with the big defensive trio playing a key role in the 1-1 draw which kept the Toon's survival chances alive.

Shearer said: "The three big lads more than matched (Ricardo) Fuller and (James) Beattie and not many teams can handle those two.

"I thought we defended the aerial bombardment very well and although I don't like to single out individuals, the back three were magnificent."