FOOTBALL'S Mr Nice Guy, Gary Lineker, has stepped into the row over the Newcastle players off-the-field behaviour - calling on footballers to "think before they drink".

Lineker, who had a squeaky clean image during his playing days, urged today's stars to quit the booze and concentrate on making a name for themselves on the pitch instead of off it.

In a frank interview broadcast on Century FM's Goffy in the Morning Show today, the former England international told Paul Gough that players should appreciate just how lucky they are.

"Football is a very short career and it carries amazing rewards," said the 41-year-old, after hearing Newcastle's Jamie McClen had become the second player at St. James' Park in a week to receive a police caution.

"If you are doing well you have to give yourself the best chance to succeed.

"And if that means not going out that often - and if you do go out not having a drink - it is a sacrifice worth making.

"Football is a cross-section of working class society.

"Whatever walk of life you are in you are going to get some that drink too much, some that get violent, some who turn to drugs.

"Others behave perfectly well and professionally - most of them as a matter of fact - but they are not the ones who make the headlines - they have to think a little bit more."

Also in the interview, goalscoring legend Lineker, now a television presenter on Match of the Day, has urged Newcastle to continue their push for the Premiership title - and he heralded Bobby Robson's approach as the secret of their success.

And he believes it will be good for the game if the Magpies can prise the crown away from Old Trafford.

Newcastle are currently two points adrift of leaders Manchester United with a game in hand, and do not look like letting up with 12 matches to go.

And Lineker said: "Everyone in the country would like to see them go on and win it.

"Everyone keeps writing them off, which is sensible, but it would be wonderful to see them hang on in there.

"They have done it for 20 odd games and you have to think they are outsiders, but they have got a decent run in and are playing well at the moment.

"In all honesty I would be surprised if they won it, but you never know.

"Bobby has got so much energy and enthusiasm, and he has put together a really good side."

* Kieron Dyer has admitted he fears his World Cup dream may have been wrecked by injury.

The Newcastle star is currently sidelined with a broken foot and although he could be back in action in time for the Italy friendly on March 27, he is worried that it will be too late.

Dyer was in inspirational form before he damaged his left foot, but insists his club form will count for nothing when it comes to forcing his way into Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad.

''When I found out about the latest injury I was totally gutted, devastated in fact,'' Dyer said

''Things were going really well for me since my return from my shin problem. The team were flying and my form was good.

''To hear Tord Grip saying I would definitely have played against the Dutch had I been fit makes it hurt even more.

"To be honest, I think the injury has ruined my chance of making the England squad in the summer."

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