Stoke City boss Tony Pulis believes Alan Shearer is the man for Newcastle United ahead of tonight's FA Cup replay.

He said: "There could be a new manager sat in the stands and I see Alan has flown back.

"If they do appoint him in time for our game the whole place would be rocking.

"It would be really difficult as it would give their players an extra 30 per cent.

"I think the players involved in the 6-0 defeat at Old Trafford will have a point to prove anyway.

"The appointment of Shearer has been hoped for by the masses up there for several years. Let him have a crack."

Pulis played for Bournemouth when they beat the Toon in a third-round replay at St James' in 1992.

And he hopes to mark his special day by repeating the trick.

He added: "I'd have loved to have finished the job at our place but now our lads have a chance to play at a fantastic ground in front of 50,000.

"We're taking around 4,000 so it's going to be a great occasion for us."