Alan Shearer insists he's not coveting the manager's job at Newcastle United.

The Toon legend told the People: "I've never said I'm waiting to manage Newcastle at all but I can't stop other people thinking that. I understand why people talk that way because of my connections with the club. I love Newcastle and always will.

"I had 10 great years there and watch them as often as my contract with the BBC allows. I hope they do well more than anyone, but I can't control what people think. It does embarrass me at times."

He also said: "I'm confident in saying I will certainly give it a go. I will be, but I'd go in with my eyes open and I realise my reputation as a player would count for nothing. It might get me an extra seven days but that's all!

"I've been fortunate to play under a great manager in Terry Venables and I learned a great deal from him. Although I joke about him, I thought Ruud Gullit was a good coach. Kenny Dalglish was brilliant and Kevin Keegan, too, in different ways. You always hear old players saying they'll try and take a little bit from each manager they've played under, but putting that into practice is easier said than done.

"You can do all your badges nowadays but until you face situations that are thrown at you it's very difficult to say who you will be like."