ALAN SHEARER took one step nearer Jackie Milburn's long-standing Newcastle United goalscoring record at the Riverside and was immediately backed to overtake the feat achieved almost 50 years ago.

Patrick Kluivert's arrival on Tyneside has sparked rumours of a player-manager bust-up and Manchester United were yesterday reportedly planning an incredible swoop for Shearer who is due to retire at the end of the season.

But the talismanic Magpies striker showed against Middlesbrough that he has no intention of giving up his legendary status at Newcastle without a fight, although a switch to Old Trafford could appeal if he continues to be substituted by Robson.

Boro defender Ugo Ehiogu, after battling with the former England skipper in the Tees-Tyne derby on Saturday, believes Shearer has every chance of scoring the 27 goals he needs this season to equal Wor Jackie's 200 career goal record for Newcastle between 1946-57.

And even Ehiogu, knowing Shearer has scored five goals against Boro since moving to Teesside four years ago, admits that even he will be sad to see the back of the Newcastle captain when he does call it a day.

"The Premiership will be a poorer place without him," said Ehiogu, who was powerless to prevent a fierce penalty from Shearer on Saturday.

"Even I will miss the hand in the air celebration. It's just a shame he has scored so many against Middlesbrough.

"Who would bet against him scoring the 27 goals he needs to get the all-time scorer. He takes penalties, free-kicks and everything and he just keeps on going.

"Shearer is not an easy man to handle. He's very cute in everything he does. He's been an excellent professional over the years. He's had a great career and he's done everything he would have liked to. He's a real handful, even though he's 34."

Shearer, who celebrated his birthday on Friday, was not content with the belated gift of a point at the Riverside on his 500th league appearance.

After the turmoil building up to the derby, as the Newcastle squad were unable to train together following the conjunctivitis outbreak, a draw could perhaps have been perceived as a bonus.

However, Shearer insists the sloppiness of losing a slender one-goal lead on two occasions at Boro bore a similar resemblance to their failings away from home last season - when they only won twice and drew 12 times.

"It's bitterly disappointing that Hasselbaink scored late on because that was our Achilles heel last year away from home, conceding late goals," said Shearer.

"We lost so many points last year conceding in the last few minutes and it's frustrating to see it snatched away in the last couple of minutes. Sometimes you can't be too proud to stand in the corner and waste a bit of time. All the great sides do it Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal all do it. It might be boring but they all do it."

But while a draw may not have been the result Shearer wanted he was certainly delighted with the display of new Newcastle midfielder Nicky Butt in middle of the pitch.

Butt, a £2.5m buy from Manchester United, won the battle with Boro new-boy Ray Parlour on Saturday and Shearer said: "Nicky's a class player. I don't know what went on at Man United but you can see what a class act he is.

"He's a calming influence and he was brilliant out there. He shields the back four and gives them a lot of protection. He just seems to have a lot of time on the ball. That helps everybody's game.

"Nothing flusters him but nothing should when you consider where he has played. He will be a big asset for us."

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