"I DON'T think you can call us the entertainers any more but we've proved we can grind out a result again," said Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan, after his team's hard fought win over Southampton at St James' Park last night.

The win kept Newcastle three points behind the Old Trafford side, still with a game in hand, and while Keegan admitted he would have preferred to have seen a more fluent display he was happy enough with the victory.

"As far as the championship is concerned I don't think anything has changed after tonight. If I'm honest after we had heard that Leeds were down to 10 men for 70 minutes it might have been a cricket score but nothing's changed."

That was certainly the view of bookmakers. Ladbrokes, whose prices remained unaltered with Alex Ferguson's side still 4 to 9 favourites and Newcastle rated 13 to 8.

United's victory over Leeds was tempered by an injury for skipper Steve Bruce. He limped off in the first half with a hamstring injury and manager Alex Ferguson said. "He may miss the FA Cup final."

United meet Liverpool in the Wembley show piece on May 11th but before then have two crucial Premiership games against Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough when the title will be decided.

Leeds manager Howard Wilkinson believes United have the mental toughness to keep in front of Newcastle and win the title for the third time in four seasons. He said Manchester United are in the driving seat and most of the time teams or players go on to win, unless you're Greg Norman.

United have been downs that road before and they have proved they can keep their swing going when the heat is on. Newcastle been there before."

Ferguson praised Keane, saying "I thought he was our best player. He had two attempts to get a strike in but he steadied himself and not even Radebe could stop that one. It was a fraught night and when they had a man sent off. I thought we would score goals but Radebe looked quick and agile."

Ferguson rallied to support Wilkinson and made a stinging attack on Leeds' senior players If the players played like this every week they could be in the top six. It's pathetic. He has done a lot for that club and deserves better. They seem to be the kind of players who need big games. There is no dispute these are players with considerable ability. But who would be a manager?"

Wilkinson said Alex is entitled to his opinion. Tonight's performance was a rejection of what we are capable of. At least our players can go home with some self esteem even though we have lost. They can sleep well tonight."

Rob Lee and Les Ferdinand have had their hopes of staking further claims for Euro '96 places dashed by injury. Ferdinand, who scored the only goal as England beat Bulgaria last month, was at the start of the ninth minute Lee coal that ensured Newcastle's win last night.

Keegan revealed that both players had been forced out of the squad to take on Croatia

Wembley next week. "I've got to pull Les out said Keegan. "He's played the last three game with a broken toe."

And Keegan added "I've got to pull Rob out well. He's got an Achilles problem and while they will both report if Terry wants them too I think he'll take our word for it."