Louis Saha spent part of the 1998-99 season with Newcastle United on loan, during which time he scored two goals in 12 outings.

However, the Magpies decided against taking up an option to sign the Frenchman on a permanent basis and so he returned to his parent club Metz.

In 2000, Fulham parted with £2.1m to bring the striker back to the Premier League and it was 13 years ago today that he would return to St James' Park to haunt the Geordie outfit.

It was a night that was supposed to belong to Newcastle captain Alan Shearer, who was one goal short of reaching the 200 mark in the Premier League.

For once, Shearer took a backseat, although he did play a role in the goal that broke the deadlock for the home side.

He combined with Laurent Robert to free Kieron Dyer down the left channel. The creative midfielder sped away from the Fulham rearguard, before showing great composure to beat Edwin van der Sar from an acute angle.

From that moment on, Saha and Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given took centre stage as the pair were embroiled in a battle.

Before the break, Saha raced clear, only to see his low effort saved by Given's legs. Then, in a similar situation after the restart, the Irish goalkeeper again came out on top.

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Yet with 14 minutes remaining, it was a case of third time lucky for the former Newcastle forward.

Robbie Elliott failed to fully clear Steed Malbranque's corner and when Steven Davis volleyed the ball goalwards, Saha was on hand to turn it from close range, leaving Given little chance.

It was a goal that all but secured Fulham's status as a top-flight club for another season, while also denting Newcastle's chances of qualifying for the next campaign's Champions League.

Having seen his side jeered off by the home faithful, manager Sir Bobby Robson said: "I think [the fans] forget how well we've done.

"My message is we can still do it. They have such expectations and want it so much, but we need encouragement [and] we need them to stay with us."

Meanwhile, as far as his team's survival chances were concerned, Fulham boss Jean Tigana had one eye on results that were being picked up down at Portman Road.

"A lot depends on Ipswich's performances. People say the point tonight might be enough, but Ipswich could win their next four games. We must look after ourselves," he said.

NEWCASTLE: Given; Hughes, O'Brien (Dabizas), Distin, Elliott; Solano, Dyer, Speed, Robert; Shearer, Cort (Jenas)

FULHAM: Van der Sar; Finnan, Melville, Goma, Brevett; Davis, Collins, Malbranque, Legwinski; Saha, Marlet