GRAEME SOUNESS said his team 'made a very good Olympiacos side look ordinary' at St James' Park, writes Will Scott.

Two goals either side of each half means United progress to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup for the second successive year and take another step closer to the final at the Estadio Jose Alvalade Stadium, in Portugal, home of Sporting Lisbon, in the process.

"We wanted a big start and Olympiacos to know that we thought the tie wasn't over," said Souness. "We made a good start and got them on the back foot and kept them there throughout and I'm very pleased.

"Before the game I told the team that I didn't think the tie was over and I assured them that they were a good team and if they went out with a less than spot on attitude they would come unstuck. I wanted a big start from us and I got that."

Newcastle's comprehensive win was their eighth in succession and had a vociferous crowd chanting Souness' name for the first time since he became manager.

"Its important that they (fans) are enjoying their football," acknowledged the 51-year-old Scot. "But you have to be a realist and know you're not going to be 4-0 up in every game."

Kieron Dyer continued his renaissance with yet another outstanding individual display.

The Newcastle boss admitted his impish midfielder had given him 'food for thought' in his role alongside Alan Shearer up front.

"He has been excellent in the six months I have been at the club. He give me something else I had been told about but not seen with my own eyes and he was excellent throughout," Souness said.

Souness said he had every intention of giving Shearer a rest.

"We wanted to bring him off after an hour but he said that he wanted to stay on," he said. "I think he was enjoying himself. He had so much movement around him tonight and he is the best judge of his own body and he says he felt fine."

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