However Blackburn and Bellamy could not get off the field quick enough at the final whistle, but Souness was ready for Bellamy and he stood in his path and made the striker shake his hand.
Alex Ferguson saw his Manchester United career saved by a fluke goal in a League Cup tie that was seen as his last 90 minutes to impress. It didn't so impress THAT much, but it saved the hang-man's noose. I wonder if Souness will look back at this afternoon at Blackburn as the magic moment that changed the course of history.
Shearer struck the back of the net from a free-kick when I don't think goalkeeper Owen Brad Friedel had an anxious moment for an hour, then in the 68th minute Owen effectively sealed the points and suddenly the gloom was lifted.
Even Steven Taylor's late sending-off for two bookable offences could not spoil Souness' day as Charles N'Zogbia wrapped up victory with three minutes to go to leave Rovers and Bellamy down and out.
In truth the final scoreline said little about the performance, but the travelling Toon fans couldn't give a monkey's. Shearer looked well out of sorts, and hardly broke into a sweat, which was a major concern to many. Owen only had the ball once of note in the first half, and he had to trek back 50yds to get it. Lee Bowyer couldn't find a player in a black and white shirt with any pass over 5yds, and Boumsong once again looked behind the play.
On the other hand, Babayaro produced one of his best displays for United and Shay Given was faultless.