Former England boss Terry Venables has backed Newcastle United's shock decision to appoint former player Alan Shearer as manager of the club. "He's got a great start in management now and I am pleased for him that it is with Newcastle, which is his club. He's wise enough to know whether this is the right time to come in," Venables told The Newcastle Chronicle.

"People will have high expectations, but Alan is big enough to take that responsibility - after all he did captain his country for many years at World Cups and European Championships, and that is the highest level of football.

"I just wish him the very best of luck at Newcastle.

"Having managed him with England I know what an influence he can be on players and for that alone, he has a great future in the game.

"There's no reason why he can't keep Newcastle up, in fact, it's not a case of why he can't, it's why he can, he's one of Newcastle greatest icons and I wish him the very best."