NICKY Southall set his sights on the Premiership last night after helping guide Wanderers into the last 16 of the Worthington Cup.

"We need to get three points on Saturday," the midfielder insisted after picking up the Man of the Match award and instantly turning his attention to the all-important visit of Newcastle United.

"The lads have been on the crest of a wave with their brilliant start but we've got a tough couple of games coming up - at Manchester United and Aston Villa - so it's important we try to get those three points."

Southall, who hails from the North-east, knows he may have to settle for a place on the subs' bench when Wanderers take on the Geordies. Such is the strength of the Reebok squad that Sam Allardyce has effectively been able to field one team for the Premiership and another for the Worthington Cup.

But the former Gillingham playmaker, who insists he is still short of full match fitness, impressed his manager enough to at least be in with a shout, should he feel the need to shuffle his midfield pack.

"He was excellent," Allardyce enthused. "He gave a very controlled performance, showed some good passing qualities on a night when so many others struggled, and actually had a fantastic shot which brought an excellent save out of Darren Ward. I would encourage my players to shoot a little bit more than they do in those positions instead of trying to play a bit too intricate in and around the box."

Southall needs little encouragement on that score. "I've always shot from distance and scored a few goals," he said, hours after one of his blockbusters put Steve Banks out of commission with a dislocated finger. "It's something I practise quite a lot in training. It was a pity the keeper made that save."

Fortunately for Wanderers Ward was powerless to keep out Rod Wallace's third minute header that was to prove the matchwinner.

"I've come here to score goals and that's what I'm aiming to do," said the former Southampton, Leeds and Rangers' striker who has made a sensational impact since arriving at the Reebok from the soccer wilderness just three weeks ago.

Like Southall, Wallace admits he is still not up to full fitness levels - a stunning admission considering his contributions to date and the sharpness in converting Bruno N'Gotty's lay-off.

But then again most of the players given runouts last night have still to get into their stride, a point the manager admitted was probably to blame for the way they faded in the second half.

This was not the most convincing of performances or the most entertaining of cup ties. Heavy rain affected the passing and the sparse crowd made for a hollow atmosphere.