Michael Owen gave Newcastle a 60th-minute lead with his club's first Barclays Premier League goal in 455 minutes and his first since October 7.

Emre curled the free-kick to the near post where Owen rose to glance a header past Schwarzer.

But Middlesbrough equalised in the 87th minute when Julio Arca's deep cross was met by Robert Huth and his header looped over Magpies goalkeeper Shay Given.

Keegan told Sky Sports One: "That was the best full 90 minutes we have put in since I have been here.

"We are short on numbers, had a busy few games and I was pleased with the spirit shown by the players.

"It was typical derby match took which took a while to catch fire and I think both sides were perhaps a little apprehensive, and scared of losing the match rather than winning it.

"Credit must go to both sets of players although I thought their goal was offside - but I guess I will see the replays later to clear that up.

"The crowd were also fantastic today. They were like the 12th man who lifted the players and we needed it in the last few minutes when we were attacking trying to win the game and when we were under the cosh."

Keegan also praised Owen after he scored the first goal of his second spell in charge of the club.

He added: "Michael (Owen) deserved his goal - his record is there for everyone to see, to be examined and admired, and he has been tremendous since I have been here.

"Again today it was a quarter chance at best, but he obviously did what he has always done with those chances during his career and put it away - the only shame was that it was not the winning goal."