Shearer eager to be involved

ALANS SHEARER is relishing the prospect of making his Newcastle comeback in today's North East derby against Sunderland at St James' Park.

Newcastle manager Kenny Dalglish will not confirm the return of Shearer and strike partner Les Ferdinand against a Sunderland side battling for Premiership survival.

But the England strikers have resumed training without any ill effects and are poised to provide Newcastle's flagging season with a major boost.

Shearer is ready to relaunch his season just five weeks after undergoing his third groin operation in 10 months, while Ferdinand has recovered from a hamstring injury.

Shearer denies having ear marked his comeback for today but is clearly eager to be involved.

"Newcastle Sunderland games are tremendous occasions and there's always a great atmosphere," enthused Shearer yesterday.

The England skipper's derby baptism came in the 2-1 win at Roker Park in September which launched Newcastle's season after a faltering start.

The ban on away fans at Roker Park which will also be in place for tomorrow's return ensured a partisan atmosphere, but Shearer revelled in it.

"To say I took some stick would be an understatement," he recalls.

Chris Waddle knows it will be his turn to receive a warm welcome when he returns to St James' Park as a Sunderland player.