Lazio slam Macheda swoop

LAZIO president Claudio Lotito has hit out at the Italian FA after witnessing Federico Macheda’s thrilling debut for Manchester United.

The 17-year-old striker, who came through the youth ranks at Lazio, capped a dream day at Old Trafford with the injury-time winner against Aston Villa.

Macheda joined Alex Ferguson’s side in September 2007, with English clubs able to sign players on professional terms two years before their Italian countreparts.

And now Lazio president Lotito claims Italy's domestic game will suffer further if their youngsters continue to be nabbed early.

He said: "We tried in every way to stop Manchester United from taking away our player but the present Italian regulations don't give you any type of defence.

"In reality we find ourselves in front of a proper cattle market.

"I talked repeatedly with Macheda's parents, we established a dialogue, but it was not possible to do anything.

"We could not compete with United's offer.

"That is not right, we have to be provided with more reliable and concrete rules than those which govern Italian clubs."

Liverpool star Mascherano knocks back chance to join up with Kaka at Real Madrid

Javier Mascherano has told Real Madrid he has no intention of leaving Liverpool for the Spanish giants.

The Argentina midfielder is reported to be in the sights of Florentino Perez, who hopes to return as president at the Bernabeu in the summer.

Former West Ham player Mascherano, 24, is seen as the perfect holding midfielder to build a solid foundation alongside Lassana Diarra as Madrid look to remodel the rest of their side around a raft of new attacking players.

Sportsmail understands the La Liga champions are growing increasingly confident they will be able to sign Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo for ?75million in the summer, while reports in Spain suggest a deal is done with AC Milan for the ?55m capture of Kaka.

It is unlikely the club would sign both and Chelsea and Manchester City would rival them for the signature of the 26-year-old Brazilian.

But Mascherano appears unmoved by the project and his mentor Kia Joorabchian says that the Argentina captain is going nowhere, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

Madrid are also understood to have been knocked back with a quiet approach for Steven Gerrard, who signed a new deal with Liverpool last week.

But they are determined to strengthen the midfield and have Spain internationals Xabi Alonso, also from Liverpool, and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas on a short list of targets.

Meanwhile, Perez is said to have gone cold on the idea of appointing Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti as the next boss at the Bernabeu, even if it would help to sign Kaka.

Former Spurs coach Juande Ramos is likely to be replaced in the summer, but Perez is said to prefer either Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini or Arsenal's Arsene Wenger.

What a Weekend

Manchester United sit back on the top of the league after temporarily getting knock off their perch by a Liverpool side that seem to be having the type of luck that can bring the title to Anfield.

Rafa Benitez's men must of thought that it wasn't going to be their day as they faced a what would seem an unbeatable keeper in Fulham's Mark Schwarzer and a rigging that didn't stop shaking throughout the entire game but thankfully for Rafa, Benayoun got the ball in the back of the net just in the nick of time.

Aston Villa spent the afternoon trying to upset Sir Alex in the Nail-biter at Old Trafford and looked like they would succeed until Ronaldo equalised and then in what i would call a sqeeky bum moment, Macheda turned and hit a curling shot round the ever-stretching Friedel.

I had the prevalige of watching the game with some Manchester United fans and they weren't the happiest bunch of people i've spent 45 mins with, but once that ball hit the back of the net in the 93rd minute the pressure was back off and the title was one game closer.

SF

CHO TIME DELAYED

The club has confirmed that new South Korean international midfielder Won Hee Cho has effectively been ruled out for the season after tearing two calf muscles on international duty last week.

Cho, who turns 26 on April 17, was kicked in the leg during South Korea's friendly against Iraq in Seoul on March 28. He then played in the World Cup Qualifier against North Korea four days later, which now appears to have worsened the situation.

Latics Head Physiotherapist Dave Galley says: "We scanned the injury as soon as Won Hee returned to us last week and we can confirm he has a Grade 3 tear of two of his calf muscles."

Injuries of this natured tend to take between six and eight weeks, and with the end of the season just seven weeks away, Latics fans will in all probability have to wait until next season to catch their first glimpse of Cho in the blue and white.

In the meantime, Cho will remain at the club to be treated and begin his convalescence.

Cho said: "This is very frustrating for me because I was so desperate to show the manager and the fans what I can do. But I will now have to work my hardest to get fit."

Steve Bruce added: "It's unfortunate for the lad because he was so willing and has shown a terrific attitude. But our team are working on him and we will do everything we can to get him back as soon as we can."

Cho signed for Latics as a free agent last month after coming to the end of his contract at Korean club Suwon Bluewings. He has played one reserve game so far, against Liverpool.

Dream day for Junior

For Junior Stanislas, his first West Ham United goal was a lifelong dream come true.

The England Under-20 winger joined the Hammers at the age of eleven, working his way through the club's famous Academy before being handed his full first-team debut in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League victory over Sunderland.

Stanislas, who netted the opening goal following a slick four-man move three minutes before half-time, said his first senior start in a claret and blue shirt had been everything he expected and more besides.

"I couldn't have asked for a better start," said the 19-year-old. "It was my full debut, I came on against West Brom a couple of weeks ago but this was my first start. A goal, three points and a clean sheet, it can't get much better than that."

Stanislas was handed his full debut after impressing manager Gianfranco Zola with his talent and attitude after returning from a successful loan spell at League One side Southend United.

The 19-year-old caught the eye at Roots Hall, starring in two FA Cup third-round ties against Premier League Chelsea, before returning to Chadwell Heath in mid-January to train as part of the first-team squad.

Back at West Ham, Stanislas excelled in a 4-2 reserve friendly win over the Blues on 27 March, scoring a hat-trick at Chelsea's Cobham training ground in front of the watching Zola and first-team coach Steve Clarke. Following that display, and another eye-catching run-out for England's Under-20s on 31 March, the manager decided to throw the winger in against the Black Cats.

The teenager responded with another match-winning performance. Afterwards, Stanislas admitted he had relished the opportunity to show what he could do from the kick-off.

"The manager just said to me to clear my mind and go out and play my normal game. Gianfranco and Clarkey have come in and got the boys playing well. They've put a lot of confidence back into the squad so it's looking good."

Stanislas was told he would start Saturday's game just a couple of hours before kick-off, but there was still enough time for him to call a group of friends from his home in south London and get them to the Boleyn Ground in time for the match. It would not be long before he would make their trip worthwhile by tapping the ball into Craig Gordon's net.

"It was a great feeling, I've been dreaming about if for years now so for me to start in the Premier League and score as well was amazing."

Despite his unforgettable full debut Stanislas, who named the Brazilian striker Ronaldo, AC Milan forward Kaka and England star Steven Gerrard as his footballing idols, admitted his West Ham team-mates will not allow the goal to go to his head.

"The boys here will keep my feet on the ground. They won't let me enjoy it too much, trust me. When I come back in for training, I can guarantee you it will be business as normal."

Stanislas will be hoping he has done enough to keep his place for Saturday's Premier League trip to Tottenham Hotspur, where West Ham will continue their challenge for a top-seven finish. Wigan Athletic's defeat at Everton on Sunday strengthened the Hammers' hold on seventh position and a place in next season's UEFA Europa League.

Defeat 'sickening' - JJ

Jermaine Jenas admitted defeat at Blackburn was difficult to take.

We dominated for long periods at Ewood Park and although a second goal would have been ideal, Robbie Keane's penalty on the half-hour looked like stretching our run to seven unbeaten in the Premier League.

But it all changed with 10 minutes left when Wilson Palacios was harshly sent off for a second yellow card.

Rovers equalised within two minutes and then won it via Andre Ooijer's goal in the last minute.

"We've been playing really well lately and to come here and still play as well as we did, to battle, dominate the whole game and dicatate everything in footballing terms makes losing a really tough pill to swallow," said JJ.

"I thought we dominated the whole game.

"We knew they only really had the long ball and we knew if we managed to stay on top of that then we'd win the game.

"A decision from the referee completely turned the game on its head but we still should have seen it out.

"We have to pick ourselves up quickly and move on."

REACTION: AWAY COMFORTS

Prior to Saturday's game, Chelsea's challenge at Newcastle was billed as playing the crowd just as much as the team. The visitors did well on both counts reckons Lampard.

It was Lampard who made the breakthrough early in the second half after a first 45 minutes of limited Chelsea chances and little Newcastle threat.

Florent Malouda's goal on 64 minutes all but guaranteed three points won from the Geordies who were hoping for so much more as Alan Shearer clocked on for a short management shift.

'I don't think the atmosphere was as loud as expected which was quite strange,' claimed Lampard as he spoke after the 2-0 win.

'We expected a cauldron and a real loud noise which is pretty normal up here anyway, but there wasn't too much and once we got the ball and started to move it about a bit and created a few things, it was quite comfortable.

'It was a good atmosphere but it wasn't quite as strong as I thought it would be for some reason. Maybe they didn't create that many chances nor had much pressure at certain times to really build up the atmosphere,' Lampard suggested.

'We didn't give them the chance to get too excited until late in the game when they had one or two half chances.'

It goes without saying that the opening strike is crucial in any match but never more so than in an away fixture like Saturday's

'With the atmosphere there, Newcastle would have been desperate for the first goal to get their noses in front, but the first half we were comfortable without being at our best,' the vice-captain said.

'The second half we opened up a bit, the game opened up, we started to play more football and create more chances and I think we deserved it when the goal came.

'When it opened up I tried to get forward, create a few things and I was quite fortunate for the goal that it dropped and I was in the area. It obviously bounced very nicely to me off the bar.

If he can score vital goals in away fixtures then Lampard claims to be happy with his form and it was his pass forward that supplied Malouda for the second.

'I just tried to make a few more things happen. We had 45 minutes today when we didn't really push and we did the same against Tottenham but in the second half this time we did everything right.

'The team performance was very strong second half and Malouda popped up with the second and from then on the game was very comfortable for us.'

Lampard is now just four goals away from his now customary 20 for the season and with an England goal too in the past fortnight, will be in a confident frame of mind going into the all-Barclays Premier League Champions League quarter-final.

'Against Newcastle was a confident display, we had a few players injured at the weekend and hopefully they can be fit for midweek, but our squad is pretty strong at the minute. We know how tough Liverpool is going to be, it is going to be a very tight game, both legs, and we are ready, we are in the right mood for it.'

Jussi: Home Form Is Key

Bolton's emphatic 4-1 win over relegation candidates Middlesbrough continued the Trotters recent run of home form which now reads four win out of the last five games.

The Wanderers are aiming to build on those recent performances and propel themselves into the upper reaches of the Premier League, and long-serving shot stopper Jussi Jaaskelainen feels that positive results at the Reebok are vital.

"We know it's not going to be easy for teams to come here because we're playing extremely well at home. We have four victories from the last five games here. Except for the Fulham game, where we made a few mistakes, we have been good and teams will find it a hard place to visit," stated Jussi.

"Hopefully now we can compete until the end of the season using our good form at the Reebok."

The three points put daylight between them and the teams embroiled in a relegation scrap and it's a victory that Jaaskelainen is hoping enables the team to finish higher up the table.

He said: "Because of what happened last year, perhaps a relegation battle was in the back of everyone's minds. Hopefully this good win will turn into a good run of form and we will leave what happened last season behind us.

"I think if we get in the top nine or ten positions, we can build on that for next season. We can leave the supporters feeling happy.

"It's only the little things that we keep doing wrong. If you make mistakes in the Premier League it can be very costly. We need to keep more clean sheets. We need to take our chances from set-pieces too to score goals as its one of our strengths."

Bolton's longest serving player, who joined the club in 1998, is confident that team spirit is a major factor in Bolton's recent revival.

He added: "I've always liked the spirit since the day I came to the club. It's been great and it carries on year after year.

"This group is the most honest group of players we have had over the years and they deserve it when we have success. If we keep playing well hopefully we can get on a good run."

Jaaskelainen is also hoping that the English players get international recognition for the form they are producing.

"Davo has always been very good with his all round game but lacking a few goals. But this season he has got 12 goals and I think he should have a spot in the full squad," claimed the Finn.

"Also Gary Cahill has a good chance. He is not as experienced as Davo but I think if he keeps playing at the level he is then he deserves to start friendly matches. I think it's good for the team that they are thereabouts."

Ghana ace eyes European move

Ghana starlet Prince Tagoe has confirmed to skysports.com he is set for a move to Europe in the summer.

The 22-year-old is currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, but his contract with Al-Ettifaq is set to expire at the end of the season.

Middlesbrough and Valencia are two clubs reported to be leading the chase for Tagoe.

The youngster admits there are a number of clubs in the running to secure his signature.

"I am fine, my contract will run out soon, so I am a free agent at the moment, there are many contacts in Europe," he told skysports.com.

"I want to move in Europe to measure myself to the top players, I trust my ability."

He admits both Middlesbrough and Valencia represent attractive options.

"Middlesbrough are a good team, they are fighting to stay in the Premier League, so let's wait and see," said the Ghana international.

"Valencia, they a top team in Spain so that can make you think twice when they want you.

"So as I said let's wait to see."

Southgate: We Have To Beat Hull

BORO'S defeat at Bolton has raised Saturday's showdown with relegation rivals Hull City to the status of a "must-win" game, says Gareth Southgate.

In the past the manager has been reluctant to use that label, but he says nothing less than three points will do against Phil Brown's men.

However, if Boro do gain revenge for December's late and controversial 2-1 defeat at the KC Stadium - when David Wheater was red carded after conceding a hotly-disputed late penalty - Southgate believes they can still save their skins.

"We are going to have to win against Hull, there's no question about that," he said. "We need those three points. If we can get them, then things can turn very quickly.

"But we won't get that if we play like we did against Bolton. We defended really poorly and that 90 minutes summed up our season.

"We let the supporters down and we have to restore some pride against Hull."

Boro created chances at the Reebok Stadium but failed to convert enough of them and were undone by some hapless defending at the other end.

Southgate said: "As manager of the football club I've got to take full responsibility. The last 25 minutes wasn't acceptable and the players know exactly what I think.

"They are learning some very harsh lessons about what is needed to play at this level. People can see on the field many of the reasons we are where we are."

Boro are now five points from safety and with just seven games remaining, relegation to the Coca-Cola Championship is now staring them squarely in the face.

However, Southgate knows nobody at the club can afford to be downbeat and he is determined to lift his players for the battle ahead.

"We're obviously running out of time in terms of saving the season, but while there's light, there's hope," he said.

"The level of performance is going to be very important between now and the end of the season.

"We've got to do all we can to stay in this division. At the very least we need to restore some pride in our last seven games.

"We've got to deliver. We can't give empty promises and hope.

"We have to maintain a belief because it's never over while it's mathematically possible and I am determined that we will keep fighting until there is no air left."

Robinho cleared of allegations

Manchester City striker Robinho will not face charges following allegations of a serious sexual assault made in January, West Yorkshire Police has announced.

The Brazil international attended a pre-arranged interview with police at the time the allegations were made and answered questions relating to an alleged incident at Space nightclub in Leeds. He strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "Following a report of a serious sexual assault that occurred at a nightclub in Leeds on 14th January, 2009, the matter was investigated and the man was arrested and released on police bail.

"A file was submitted to the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) who decided that no further action should be taken."

Robinho's advisor, Chris Nathaniel of NVA Management, has issued a statement thanking City for their support.

"I am pleased to announce that Robson de Souza (Robinho) has been cleared of all allegations of rape," he said in a statement.

"He has maintained his innocence throughout the police interview process and I am delighted that all charges have been dropped.

"Robinho is a hard-working family man, who is extremely passionate about football. He now wishes to focus his attention on Manchester City to help create a successful end to the season.

"Robinho will be making an official statement at a later date, in the mean time he wants to pass on his sincere thanks to all his family, friends, fans and Manchester City colleagues who have supported him through this terrible ordeal."

Rovers dealt Roberts blow

Blackburn have been dealt a blow in their battle against relegation following the news that striker Jason Roberts will be out for three weeks with a stress fracture of his foot.

The 31-year-old came off at half-time after sustaining the injury in Saturday's late, comeback victory over Tottenham.

An MRI scan has revealed the extent of the problem, however, it will not require surgery and the club are hopeful he will be back in action before the end of April.

The Grenada international has scored five goals in 13 Premier League matches since manager Sam Allardyce took over in mid-December.

Rovers currently sit in 14th position in the table and are separated from the drop zone by five points ahead of Saturday's trip to title-chasing Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Morten Gamst Pedersen is receiving treatment on his calf strain and the Norway international could feature at Anfield.

Butt backing for Shearer

Nicky Butt is confident Alan Shearer will guide Newcastle to Premier League safety.

Shearer saw his homecoming spoiled by Chelsea at the weekend to leave them third from bottom of the table and three points adrift of safety.

Former Manchester United man Butt believes Shearer's arrival has helped transform the dressing room and that he can help inspire a revival.

"Alan is one of those men who has charisma and an aura about him," Butt told the club's official website.

"He demands respect and he gets that the minute he walks in the changing room.

"The players are happy he's here and it's been an enjoyable start.

"He's been very upbeat and the whole town is on a high.

"Hopefully now he can help get us out of the trouble we're in and I'm confident that together we can do that."

Butt believes Newcastle could take plenty of positives from the defeat to Chelsea and felt the Magpies were unlucky not to get anything from the game.

"We took the game to Chelsea, worked hard and snuffed out what they had to offer," added Butt.

"Unfortunately we couldn't create as many chances as we should have.

"Alan was very upbeat at half-time and said that we could win it.

"We had to kick on a bit in the second half but then they got a goal which was a bit lucky when it deflected before hitting the bar and coming out to Frank Lampard.

"To concede a second was again disappointing and we were down after the match because we thought we could have got something.

"But there are plenty of positives to work on because for an hour I thought we competed very well against one of the best sides in Europe."

Petrov expects Gunners slip

Aston Villa ace Stiliyan Petrov remains hopeful Arsenal will falter to boost their chances of finishing in the top four.

Arsenal have moved six points clear of Villa in the race to finish fourth as a result of Villa's run of four successive defeats.

Villa suffered a heartbreaking last-gasp defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, but Petrov insists they will fight to the end to try and clinch the lucrative fourth spot in the Premier League.

"We played well and didn't deserve to lose," Petrov told the Birmingham Mail. "The top four is still alive for us. We are going to fight until the end.

"A lot of people expected us to bounce back after that 5-0 defeat but I don't think many expected a performance like that.

"We were unlucky not to take something out of the game and we will keep going.

"We have worked so hard all season we're not just going to let it go easily.

"Arsenal have a hard schedule. About four games ago we were minutes away from going eight points clear. Now we are six points the other way. We lost a couple of games in a row, Arsenal can do the same.

"They still have Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea to play.

"We now have to win as many of our remaining games as possible and we will see what happens. It's up to us."

Osman praise for Fellaini

Leon Osman claims Everton team-mate Marouane Fellaini is 'unplayable' when he is playing to his full potential.

The club's record signing ran riot by scoring one and playing a part in all the other goals in Everton's 4-0 demolition job of Wigan Athletic at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Osman believes the powerful Belgium international's aggressive in-your-face attitude makes him a handful for any opponent.

"His size is there for all to see and when he gets his game right he is unplayable," stated Osman.

"He is such a big lad and with tremendous skill and very hard to stop.

"He is so powerful and if he gets in your face in possession he is virtually impossible to stop."

However, Fellaini's all-action style of play has seen him booked on no less than 11 times this term, although Osman believes he is now getting a fairer deal from referees.

"He was getting booked virtually every game and we felt a lot of that was unfair because referees were not really watching what he does," he continued.

"He has probably redefined how he plays and referees have taken a look at the way they were handling him and he is getting much fairer treatment from them now.

"He is not getting booked as much and he is more effective for us as well.

"He has grown into this league now, just like Jo up front. They are both young and they have had to understand how this division operates.

"It is their first season in this league, a tough league, but they are now doing really well for us and scoring regularly."

Aliadiere focused on battle

Jeremie Aliadiere insists that he is fully focused on helping Middlesbrough stay in the Premier League.

The French forward has been linked with a move away from The Riverside, should Boro lose their battle to remain in the top-flight.

Skysports.com revealed a host of clubs, from Italy, Spain and Holland, were all keen on the former Arsenal star.

But Aliadiere - for the time being - insists his focus is fully on Boro.

"My job is to try to save my team from relegation," Aliadiere told skysports.com,

"I have a belief we will be in the Premier League next season, we are up to the fight, it will be difficult, but we will fight.

"At the end of the season we will talk about all other things, now it (the priority) is to stay in the Premier League."

Ronaldo rejects speculation

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again reiterated his desire to stay at Manchester United despite rumours of his future resurfacing.

Reports over the weekend suggested that Real Madrid had agreed a price for the winger but that has now been dismissed by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The question received a frosty response from the Scot with the 23-year-old World Player of the year also seemingly unimpressed with the query.

The 67-year-old manager was quoted as saying that he 'wouldn't sell Madrid a virus' during the World Club Cup in December and that viewpoint does not seem to have softened.

"I am happy at this club. I think it is the right club," Ronaldo said.

The reports also suggested that Real had stepped up their interest after hearing that the Portuguese international was growing tired of the constant rough treatment he receives in England.

But the former Sporting ace admitted that this season was no different to the previous five at Old Trafford.

"It has always been like that," he added.

"It is only normal this season that the defenders have kicked me to try and stop me. It is just normal."

United moved back to the top of the Premier League on Sunday with a last-gasp 3-2 win over Aston Villa thanks to a brace from Ronaldo.

The win ended a run of two straight league defeats and the player is now confident United can secure success at home and abroad.

"We are the best team in England. We have shown that by being top of the table. That speaks for itself." he insisted.

"We respect all our opponents but if we carry on winning, we will win the title again. We have a chance to win everything this season.

"First we have to beat FC Porto. After that, we must carry on."

Ronaldo also sees similarities between his own debut against Bolton in August 2003 and 17-year-old Federico Macheda's first appearance for the senior team on Sunday.

The Italian youngster curled a sublime winner past Brad Friedel to ensure a valuable three points for the champions and his team-mate could not be more pleased for him.

"It's similar to me," he pointed out.

"The feeling is quite the same. I remember when I started to play for Manchester against Bolton when I came on (with) 70,000 supporters - it's not easy.

"I play good, I did good skills, good passes. When Kiko (Macheda) scored I know what he is feeling, it is one of the best days of his life.

"He is young and he can still improve and he is good. It is good to be involved with the first team and he scored a goal to help the team.

"I am really, really happy for him."

Fergie - Macheda was ready

Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that Federico Macheda's hat-trick for the reserves against Newcastle last week persuaded him he was ready for a place on the bench.

The Scot challenged the young Italian by saying that if he performed at Newcastle he would get his first team chance on Sunday against Aston Villa.

The 17-year-old responded in spectacular style and boosted his tally to 10 in 16 games for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's youngsters.

Ferguson was true to his word and Macheda made it a debut to remember when he came off the bench to curl an emphatic shot around Brad Friedel in the 93rd minute to seal a crucial win.

"I got Ole to tell him last Monday he might be on the bench yesterday," Ferguson said.

"He scored a hat-trick.

"That formed part of my decision to bring him on ahead of Danny Welbeck. To play under pressure in front of 76,000 is a big ask.

"But I have seen him in training and at reserve team games and how he handles certain situations.

"But young players get challenged at this club. It was a late goal but for one like that you would wait until the very last kick because it was so good."

The 67-year-old boss now has the task of keeping the former Lazio youngster's feet on the ground but it is something he has grown accustomed to over the years.

"Everyone likes to read nice things about themselves," he added.

"But you need a certain kind of attitude to deal with all the adulation. The good thing is there are plenty of examples of that with all the players we have had at Manchester United.

"It is part of their make-up."

TV pals fear for Shearer

ALAN SHEARER reckons he can save Newcastle — but his old chums are not so sure.

The new Toon boss quickly realised what a state his beloved club are in after Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Chelsea increased their drop fears.

Super Al is confident but pundit pals Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson know their mate is in for one hell of a ride.

Liverpool legend Lawro was shocked to see his mate jump to Newcastle’s rescue and said: “I thought it was an April Fools’ Joke.

“He has seven cup finals but it was always going to be a very difficult job. If he didn’t think it was, he will know after that game.

“He can do it but it’s just how you cut out the individual mistakes.”

His fellow Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen added: “If they are going to stay in this league they must improve defensively and it is a hard job.

“The problem for Alan is they have only won about six matches all season and have now got to win at least half as many matches to stay up.

“I honestly think he will keep them up. Alan can handle most things.

“He has gone into this situation knowing they are in dire straits.

“But I think he thinks Newcastle are better than where they are.”

Newcastle remain in the drop zone with results going against them and are still three points from safety.

Shearer said: “It’s a tough job but I don’t think it is a poisoned chalice.

“This is for the eight games and I’ll be back on Match of the Day next year.”