Eddie Howe spoke of his "relief" as Newcastle edged past Blackburn in a penalty shootout to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup - a competition the Magpies boss says they are "desperate" to win.

Martin Dubravka was Newcastle's hero at Ewood Park, pushing Dominic Hyam's penalty on to the post after also saving from Sammie Szmodics, who had earlier scored in normal time.

Harvey Barnes missed his spot-kick for the Premier League side, but Fabian Schar, Bruno Guimaraes, Elliot Anderson and Anthony Gordon scored their attempts to take them through after a thriller.

"There is only one emotion and that is relief," said Howe. "It was a hard-fought cup tie. Both sides gave everything to get the win and didn't give an inch, but we are delighted to be in the hat for the next round.

"No-one is under-estimating the importance of the FA Cup so the players are very happy.

"This keeps us in a competition we are desperate to do well in and also gets us closer to Wembley. We're one game away so hopefully we can get a good draw.

"Our target this year is the FA Cup and to finish as high as possible in the Premier League, and this is hopefully pivotal towards that."

Gordon had put Newcastle ahead in the 71st minute with a first-time finish after a bright run from substitute Miguel Almiron down the right wing. It came just after Gordon had been denied by Rovers goalkeeper Aynsley Pears when through on goal.