Thanks to the goal this will be an afternoon I will cherish for the rest of my life Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer said he felt immensely proud at equalling Jackie Milburn's scoring record for Newcastle United.

The former England skipper, 35, struck his 200th goal for the Magpies in Saturday's FA Cup win over Mansfield.

"When I was growing up all everybody talked about was how great Jackie Milburn was," said Shearer.

"It wouldn't bother me at all if I didn't score again because just to see my name alongside the great Jackie Milburn is a great honour for me."

Shearer, who began his professional career with Southampton, joined his hometown club from Blackburn for £15m in the summer of 1996.

"When I came here and signed no way in a million years did I think I'd be up there alongside Jackie Milburn," he said.

"I am really pleased it was here at St James' Park and if I'd had a choice it would be here in front of the Gallowgate End where I used to stand as a kid and watch my heroes and that's how it worked out."

Manager Graeme Souness was full of praise for Shearer after he had equalled Milburn's feat, which was set in 1957.

Although individual awards are not so very important to him, in five or 10 years time he might look back and say, 'I'm glad I did stay' Graeme Souness on Shearer

"It's a truly incredible achievement," the Scot told the club website.

"Getting the goals in the modern game is harder than when Milburn set the record. It's a fantastic effort."

"He's also had a couple of serious injuries when he was at Blackburn, but he's come back from them."

Souness also felt Shearer would be glad to come that he delayed his retirement for a year.

"Although individual awards are not so very important to him, in five or 10 years time he might look back and say, 'I'm glad I did stay'," said the Magpies boss.

Souness also revealed he had not given up hope of Shearer postponing his decision to quit yet again.

"At the start of the season he wasn't feeling himself because of the hernia, but he enjoys playing with Michael Owen and that has seemed to give him a new lease of life," said the former Blackburn and Rangers manager.

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"It will be about how much he enjoys himself between now and the end of the season."

Shearer's 200th goal came in his 389th appearance for the Magpies.

"Thanks to the goal this will be an afternoon I will cherish for the rest of my life. It was fantastic," he said.

"All my family was here which was important. It's my mum's (Anne) 60th birthday tomorrow so she can have that one.

"They're always here watching the game and that just made it that much better."

We're not playing great, silky football but in the FA Cup it's all about getting through to the next round Alan Shearer

Shearer's 80th-minute goal against Mansfield also eased some of the pressure on Souness, who is under fire following a poor campaign so far.

"You might not believe me but the fact that it was the winner and that put us into the next round is probably more important than me equalling the record so I am a very happy man right now," said Shearer.

"When I scored I felt a mixture of joy and relief although that fact that I've equalled the record should not overshadow what was a great performance by Mansfield.

"It has been a tough time for us recently. No one is trying to hide that fact.

"We're not playing great, silky football but in the FA Cup it's all about getting through to the next round.