Newcastle United director of football Joe Kinnear has snapped back at club legend Alan Shearer.

Shearer said Kinnear's appointment had left the Toon looking "a laughing stock".

"What Shearer says is diabolical," said Kinnear to the Sunday Times. "This is a guy who hasn't got a clue about coaching."

He added: "The last game of the (2008-09) season he came up with the master idea of playing Damien Duff at left-back. Damien is one of the best left-wingers in the business, but can't tackle. And we went down with an own goal from Damien.

"Shearer keeps slagging me off. He is being disrespectful to me. I am entitled to fight back."