Carr Retirement A Mystery!

There was even a period last month when it was mentioned he could be returning to the Premiership with Newcastle, as Joe Kinnear mentioned taking him back on a month-to-month contract.

I'm not suggesting he is a world-beater, but the ex-Republic of Ireland international won 44 caps and made over 300 first-team appearances for Tottenham and Newcastle, and surely some club could do with that experience.

Carr made his Newcastle debut at the Riverside in August 2004 in a 2-2 draw with the Smogs ...

MIDDLESBROUGH 2 NEWCASTLE UTD 2

BORO: Schwarzer, Reiziger, Ehiogu, Riggott, Parnaby (Downing 65), Mendieta, Boateng, Parlour, Zenden, Job (Nemeth 45), Hasselbaink.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink became an instant folk hero at the Riverside with a last-minute header to steal a point for Middlesbrough in the north-east derby.

The Dutch striker's goal - which had a suspicion of hand-ball - stole the thunder from Alan Shearer, who thought he had secured victory with a late penalty, and gave more than a hint just how valuable an asset he may prove this season.

The last-gasp action put the seal on a match where the excitement levels rose the longer the game progressed.

Craig Bellamy's breakaway goal had broken the deadlock in the first half and the game was drifting Newcastle's way before Stewart Downing came off the bench to make it 1-1, thanks to a fantastic Hasselbaink pass. Shearer ratcheted it up another notch from the spot before Hasselbaink gave the game its finale.

Middlesbrough had gone into this match full of confidence. Their new signings had meant to herald a brave new world at the Riverside - and, as well, Newcastle looked badly under strength at centre-back where Robbie Elliott - with just one game in the last 20 months - lined up alongside Aaron Hughes.

Of course, Newcastle had new signings too, and those in black and white certainly played as well as Boro's with Stephen Carr and Nicky Butt were particularly impressive.