Alan Shearer picked out the 'excellent' Jacob Murphy for praise as Newcastle drew 2-2 with Spurs on Sunday to boost their survival hopes.

Joe Willock's 85th-minute equaliser against the Champions League-chasing visitors nudged the Magpies three points clear of the drop zone.

Steve Bruce selected Murphy for his first start since the 2-1 defeat against Leeds in late January and he duly shone. As per Sofascore, the 26-year-old won 10 ground duels during the game, completed four dribbles, made five tackles and created two chances. It truly was an all-action display from the right wing-back.

"It wasn't just the goalscorers who stood out," Shearer wrote in his BBC Sport column. "Jacob Murphy was excellent down the right side and gave [Tottenham left-back] Sergio Reguilon a torrid time throughout."

The Times' chief football writer Henry Winter joined the chorus of praise for Murphy, describing him as 'outstanding' and suggesting that his 'resilience echoed all over' the Newcastle team.

Transfer Tavern verdict

On the back of this performance, Murphy simply must start in the critical game against Burnley next weekend. You could even argue he deserves to be in the team for the remainder of the season and that he has been harshly overlooked by Steve Bruce up to this point, especially with those selected in recent weeks largely struggling.

Newcastle amassed an xG of 4.3 on Sunday - their highest in a league game since 2016/17 - and that was in no small part down to the wide threat provided by Murphy on the right and Matt Ritchie on the left.

In other news, Newcastle are apparently interested in this trio.