SIR BOBBY ROBSON is demanding Shola Ameobi stops playing like a boy - and sees Alan Shearer as just the man to help him.

With Craig Bellamy not expected back until February at the earliest, the Newcastle manager must seek the perfect foil for his ageless number one striker and captain.

Even at 33, Shearer again proved himself to be the best in the business against Fulham on Tuesday night with his two-goal salvo.

Robson must find the right combination up front, and fast, if the Magpies are to end that elusive search for silverware this season.

"He's a big lad Shola and when he puts himself about, and is a bit more aggresive, we have more fight," said Robson.

"Against Fulham he played like a boy in the first 20 minutes. He was letting their centre-backs dominate him.

"Once he got his manly ingredients going he did a good job. We had two up front then rather than one and a half."

Many believe in the absence of the jet-heeled Bellamy, Robson should replace like for like and play the speedy Kieron Dyer just off Shearer.

But so far this season Robson has resisted that temptation, believing the former England skipper has the ability to play with any striker - including England Under-21 international Ameobi.

"A lot of people have done well playing with Shearer. Whether it's been Sheringham with England or Sutton at Blackburn," said Robson, who seems certain to team Shearer with Ameobi at home to Portsmouth on Saturday.

"There's no reason why Shola can't play with him."

Robson admitted the partnership didn't start this season too well, but believes the more they play together the better they get.

Ameobi hit the target last Saturday with the winner at Middlesbrough, and it was the 22-year-old who was bundled over by former Magpie Alain Goma, allowing Shearer to convert from the spot for his first against Fulham.

"We had that disastrous week when he (Ameobi) played with Shearer when Bellamy was unfit," said Robson.

"We lost three games at home and all of a sudden we haven't got a club and we haven't got a manager - we've got nothing.

"I have to admit the kid didn't play well in that first week of the season. When Bellamy went out two matches ago I decided I'd give Shola another chance with Alan.

"Alan must be good to play with because he's so predictable. He's reliable and he's easy to read.

"We've had a chat about movement - sometimes you have to be together sometimes apart. Suddenly it's looking a bit better."

The skipper's brace at Loftus Road means Shearer now stands second in Newcastle's all-time scoring charts, having leapfrogged Len White.

The former England captain is now only 46 goals behind the legend himself, Wor Jackie Milburn, but time appears to be against him claiming that particular crown.

Shearer has stated it is his intention to quit at the end of next season - when he will be approaching his 35th birthday - which means games are likely to run out before he reaches 200.

The man himself was just happy to be number two in the all-time list.

"I don't think I will catch Jackie's total, but I am delighted to have overtaken the great Len White," said Shearer.

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