Newcastle United assistant boss Iain Dowie insists Alan Shearer's future at the club hasn't been decided.

The former QPR boss said: "I have said all along we have taken decisions that are right for the long-term of this club.

"I think maybe that has been perceived as we're staying for the long-term but I don't think that's the case. Alan came to me and said 'It's an eight-week job'. As far as I'm aware those eight weeks end on Monday.

"For now, all our focus is on keeping the club in the Premier League. If we do go down, it won't be for lack of trying.

"The hours that we've put in have been frightening. If hard work gets you anywhere, Alan should keep us up."