One point gained?

Last updated : 29 March 2004 By Al Campbell
Traore, who made his first start since January in place of John Arne Riise insisted yesterday's result was a well earned point.

"It was a good point because it was a hard game and any point at this stage of the season is crucial. It was also good to keep a clean sheet and I'd say it was definitley a point gained rather than two lost.

"We were told of the Newcastle result at half-time but that didn't influence the way we played in the second half. We can't worry about how the other teams get on. We have to concentrate on our own game. There is a one point gap between us and Newcastle now and we must ensure we stay in fourth.

"It's in our own hands and if we can win all our remaining games we will qualify for the Champions League but we can't look that far ahead just yet. Our next game is now the most important and we must beat Blackburn on Sunday."