UNDER-FIRE Graeme Souness and Steve McClaren last night revealed their satisfaction after being handed favourable draws in the FA Cup fifth round for both Newcastle United and Middlesbrough.

The North-East's two remaining clubs in the competition have avoided Premiership tests and are hopeful of progressing into the quarter-finals.

Newcastle will be welcoming Southampton to St James' Park on February 18/19 after overcoming Cheltenham on Saturday.

Boro's path is less clear, but still encouraging. If they can overcome Coventry City in their replay a week tomorrow, the Teessiders will face another Championship side in the next round.

McClaren, provided they overcome the Sky Blues, will take his squad to either Preston or Crystal Palace and is confident the date can be set up.

"It's an away tie, but it gives us another chance," said the Boro boss. "We are delighted to still be in the cup - I'm sure a lot of managers would like to be in our position."

The visit of Southampton to Tyneside represents another opportunity for Souness and skipper Alan Shearer to face one of their old clubs.

Shearer started his career at the Saints while Souness was in charge there during the 1996-97 season.

"All you can ask for is a home draw and we have got that, so we have to be happy. We would love a good cup run, but we won't be looking any further than this round and we will prepare properly for it," said Souness.

"But all in all, we have to be happy with the draw. There are a few ties that have paired some of the big boys together, so things could be interesting.''

Shearer added: "Southampton are one of my former clubs. I know they had a good win over Leicester at the weekend, and it's a game we will look forward to."

The draw has also pitted Liverpool with North-West rivals Manchester United - a tie that will see Gary Neville play at Anfield for the first time since infuriating Reds supporters.

Neville, the United captain, has denied the FA charge of improper conduct relating to his goal celebrations during the recent 1-0 win over Liverpool.

But he is sure to be the subject of attention when he heads to Merseyside for the clash of the round next month.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "It's a great tie for everyone. It's a hard draw. But the FA Cup is all about difficult ties and dramatic games."

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez added: "It won't be easy against a team of Manchester United's level but we will be at home and that gives us an advantage."

* Boro have confirmed that tickets for the Coventry replay will cost £15 for adults and £8 for concessions. They go on sale today.

* Celtic have completed the signing of striker Dion Dublin. The 36-year-old has joined the Hoops until the end of the season after his contract with Leicester was cancelled by mutual consent.

* Burnley have signed Leeds striker Michael Ricketts on loan until the end of the season.

The former England international and Middlesbrough forward has fallen well down the pecking order at Elland Road and has already been on loan at Cardiff.

He scored five goals in 17 games for the Welsh outfit before returning to Leeds at the turn of the year, but failed to get back into boss Kevin Blackwell's plans.

The Clarets have been in the hunt for a striker since selling Ade Akinbiyi to Sheffield United for £1.75million last week