Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear would have no problem if Alan Shearer was to return to St James' Park.

Kinnear told Football Focus: "I have the utmost respect for Shearer. The door is always open and if he is listening to this interview, he is more than welcome to learn his trade here.

"I would be delighted if he wanted to come here two days a week and see for himself what football is all about.

"From Alan's point of view, he will be looking more for the future than right now because right now is a difficult time to come in also in terms of injuries. Maybe he is biding his time."

Shearer, however, famously turned down the opportunity to work with Kevin Keegan after his appointment in January, and Kinnear's offer is likely to be met with a similar response.

The 61-year-old Kinnear has made no secret of the fact he would like the job on a permanent basis, and still does not know how long he will remain at the club on his current month-by-month deal.

However, he knows exactly where Shearer and Keegan, who has been linked with a return to the job he vacated in September under a new regime, stand in the affection's of the club's supporters.

He said: "I have just got on with things. They are two idols that everybody loves up here, so I'm never going to be as popular as those two, and I'm not trying to be.

"I am aware of the situation and can handle it."