Reading boss Steve Coppell is confident of warding Newcastle off Nicky Shorey by handing him a bumper new contract.

Coppell said: "Nicky's success has dictated a new contract. It was discussed even before England came up.

"He may have only played because Wayne Bridge and Ashley Cole were injured, but all the England scouts must have given him a good report.

"And he proved himself with his level of performance - I thought he looked comfortable against one of the best teams in the world."