Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has relegation concerns for his old club.

Placed two points above the bottom three, Newcastle could be heading back to the Championship, unless a revival starts in earnest against Reading and Aston Villa.

Asked about his old club's survival prospects, Shearer - caretaker boss when they were relegated in 2009 - said: "If you ask me in two weeks' time, I would probably be able to give you a different answer, because the next two games are vital.

"Reading at home and Aston Villa away are two huge games. We desperately need a win. Hopefully that will happen on Saturday, because otherwise the pressure will crank up.

"They need new players. Alan Pardew has said that he is looking for a centre forward. What else he is looking for, I am not quite sure. The numbers are pretty thin and that has been tested this year."