GRAEME Souness was left to reflect on what might have been last night as his dream of a Carling Cup success with his new charges was ended by an extra-time double from Jose Mourinho's super-subs.

After defending stoically for 90 minutes, Newcastle were hit by two goals from Eidur Gudjohnsen and Arjen Robben - ruining the night for the Newcastle faithful.

The Magpies boss refused to criticise his players, and was keen to praise his defence who kept the Blues out for 90 plus minutes.

Souness said: "It was a very close call. The first goal was very important and whoever got that was going to win the

"If I see the same effort and performance in the games coming up then I'll be happy.

"We've played arguably the most in-form team of the moment and for most of the game we were a match for them.

"I thought we defended well. I think over 90 minutes it was a very tight game and I think we shaded it. I thought Titus (Bramble) was excellent and Ronnie (Johnsen) with the number of games he's played, handled it very well.

"There was a certain amount of anger and frustration after the Fulham game and we played very well.

"The defeat is hard on us but I was pleased with the way we played.

"I'm disappointed with the result but I can't be disappointed with how we performed."

Chelsea boss Mourinho was also impressed with the Magpies rearguard, and admitted he was surprised with how well Bramble played - in only the centre-half's second start of the season.

Mourinho said: "I thought O'Brien and Bramble played fantastically well. I have never seen Bramble play so well.

"We were ready for penalties. We trained for penalties. I had on the pitch the five best penalty takers I have. But before extra-time started I told them they would be more tired than us. I told them it was just a case of finding the space and we could win in extra-time.

"When we play a game we go to win. This is a very nice competition but it is not the most important - I have to give a rest to players like Frank Lampard.

"I have to say this is not the top of our priorities. But if we win two more games then we will be in the final which is special."

Despite admitting the competition was not top of their priorities, goalscorer Gudjohnsen didn't rule out an unprecedented quadruple of Premier League, Champions League, FA and Carling Cups.

He said: "We're going every game to win it and when you're still in every competition there is always a chance."

* Souness revealed he expects Nicky Butt to be fit to face former club Manchester United on Sunday after the midfielder was substituted at half-time complaining of a migraine. The manager refused to comment on reports that Laurent Robert is unhappy on Tyneside.

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