Sir Bobby Robson can't believe Newcastle United risk missing out on Alan Shearer being their fulltime manager.

Ahead of Shearer playing in an England v Germany Legends game for the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Foundation, Sir Bobby told the Mail on Sunday: "It's great that Alan can play but I'd have preferred to have him involved at Newcastle United because I believe we need a strong manager for the next five years.

"But Newcastle's loss at the moment is my gain and I'm thrilled he is with the England Legends team. I tried to sign Alan for Barcelona, but he came back home to Newcastle instead.

"Thankfully, I was able to be his manager later on at St James' Park and he was a model professional, as well as a great captain and centre-forward. Next, I expect him to be a great manager, and I hope it's with our club, Newcastle."