Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given says former teammate Alan Shearer is the right man in charge of Newcastle United.

Given told the Sunday Times: "He's got a massive job. Huge task. The one thing I'd say is they maybe should have brought him in a couple of months earlier and given him a bit more time.

"But I do believe if any one person can turn it round, he's the man. People say, 'How can you think that, he's never managed before', but with his presence and charisma, the respect he'll demand straightaway from the guys in the dressing room and people in the stadium, he's the only one who can swing things round."

Shearer will earn seven figures for eight weeks' work if Newcastle stay up but Given adds: "I don't think he's gone there for money. He doesn't need the money, he just lives in Newcastle, has been a Newcastle fan all his life and can see how much the fans up there are hurting. He's seen how things have gone both on and off the pitch. The people up there are such genuine folk.

"It would be a disaster for the people, the club and the city if there was relegation. I hope, please God, that they do it [survive]."