Alan Shearer admits he's yet to hear from Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan about returning to St James' Park.

In an interview screened by BBC1's Look North programme on Thursday night, he said: "I haven't considered it - I haven't had anything to consider, to be honest.

"He is his own man. As I said, I have got tremendous respect for him. I worked with him as a player at Newcastle and with England.

"I am sure he will do well and whoever he brings in, if anyone, it will be for the benefit of the football club."

Shearer's response was diplomatic as Keegan started the process of assessing just what he will need to do, although he repeated his willingness to talk to the manager if he wants to do so.

He said: "First and foremost, I don't know whether Kevin wants me as his number two, and I don't know whether I want to be a number two.

"He hasn't been in the job very long. He needs to go into the football club and have a look around and see what he needs, whether he needs to bring his own people in or stick with the people who are already there.

"But if he was to ring me, then of course I would speak to him because I have great respect for him."