BBC SPORT | NEWCASTLE UNITED | Shearer eyes return

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Thursday, 16 August, 2001, 09:22 GMT 10:22 UK

Shearer eyes return

Shearer (l) is hoping to return against Sunderland

Shearer missed a penalty against Sunderland last season

Alan Shearer has earmarked Newcastle's derby against Sunderland on 26 August as the date for his Premiership return.

Shearer came through unscathed after playing the full 90 minutes of a private practice match at St James Park on Wednesday and is now close to making his latest comeback.

But Carl Cort limped out of the same match with an ankle ligament injury, increasing Bobby Robson's selection problems ahead of the Magpies opening Premiership fixture against Chelsea on Sunday.

Robson is already without Kieron Dyer, Nolberto Solano and Gary Speed while young striker Shola Ameobi is doubtful with a groin injury.

There is a chance, maybe 50-50, that I can play some part against Sunderland
Alan Shearer

Shearer, who has had two operations in a bid to cure tendinitis in his knee, has ruled out returning until the match against the Black Cats at the earliest.

He will not play against Chelsea or against Troyes, in the second leg of Newcastle's Intertoto Cup final on Tuesday.

"It was good to get the first one under my belt although we got beaten," said Shearer, who scored in the behind-closed-doors game.

"I won't be involved against Chelsea on Saturday or the Intertoto Cup game.

"But there is a chance, maybe 50-50, that I can play some part in the following game against Sunderland.

"I am a bit stiff at the moment but considering it's my first 90 minutes that is to be expected."

If Shearer does play against Sunderland he will be hoping for more success than in the previous two Premiership derbies against Peter Reid's team at St James' Park.

The 31-year-old missed a penalty in the fixture last season and was sensationally dropped by then-manager Ruud Gullit the season before.