ALAN SHEARER has dismissed the notion that his sights are set on Bobby Robson's job at Newcastle.

The United skipper yesterday underlined his position when he even suggested he might be looking for a new playing contract when his current deal expires in the summer of 2004.

A rejuvenated Shearer, who has admitted for the first time that he feared his career was finished early this year when he suffered a recurrence of a serious knee problem, celebrated his recovery on Tuesday by reaching another personal landmark with his 100th Newcastle goal in the Worthington Cup rout of Ipswich.

The 31-year-old former England captain underwent surgery last Christmas in a bid to cure tendinitis, a condition that had affected him throughout his international swansong at Euro 2000.

But when the trouble returned only two games into his comeback in March, Shearer wondered whether he would be forced to give up playing altogether.

It was then that Newcastle decided drastic action was needed, and in May Shearer headed to Vail, Colorado, for a second make-or-break operation performed by renowned knee specialist Richard Steadman.

Now, more than six months on, the Premiership's all-time leading scorer with 186 goals has an impressive seven from 14 starts in all competitions this season - and no thoughts of calling it a day.

Shearer confessed: "I did fear the worst at one time. Six or seven months ago, after my first operation when I came back and I could feel the pain again, I really was a bit concerned.

"But I'm grateful the club sent me to America and it was certainly a worthwhile trip.

"I was always going to search every avenue to find the best person. I'm really pleased because there's no pain at all in the knee now and I'm just looking forward to every game; each one is a bonus for me.''

Shearer is viewed by most observers as the heir apparent to 68-year-old Robson, but neither player nor manager are paying any heed to such an agenda.

"Bobby has helped me a hell of a lot,'' said Shearer. "I really love playing for him and I hope he's here for a long, long time, although he might have other ideas.

"We all love playing for him with his experience and his know-how guiding us through. How he does it, I don't know. His enthusiasm is fantastic.''

Robson, who has had an almost paternal influence over Shearer in his two years in charge, believes the Geordie striker has three seasons left in him and insists he won't bet against him hitting the 150-goal mark in a black and white shirt.

"I don't know about that,'' said Shearer. "I think he's got more confidence in me than I have!

"I don't know how long I'll carry on playing, but if I don't make it to 150 goals, it won't be for the want of trying.

"I've got two-and-a-half years left on my contract, but if I'm still going strong in two-and-a-half years I might be lucky enough that the club will give me another year.''

Shearer has joined a 100-club hall of fame at Newcastle which features the legendary Jackie Milburn, Malcolm Macdonald and Peter Beardsley.

"Considering the injuries I've had, not just here but at Blackburn as well, I'm delighted and really proud to see my name up on the list with the likes of Jackie Milburn and Peter Beardsley and all the other legends,'' said Shearer. "It's a great honour for me.

"The goal that stands out for me is the first one. It was always a dream to play for Newcastle at St James' and to score on my debut here the way I did, with a long-range free-kick, was special.

"The one I scored against Aston Villa a few weeks ago was also special, but I can remember them all; I've got most of them on video.

"The five I scored against Sheffield Wednesday here meant so much at the time. I'd never scored four in a game, and there's only myself and Andy Cole who have done that in the Premier League, so that game obviously sticks out.

"It was a great result and it set us on the right road after Bobby's arrival to push ourselves up the table.''

Newcastle, who haven't won a major trophy for over 32 years, will learn today who they meet in the last eight of the Worthington Cup.

The Magpies have had three near-misses in pursuit of silverware in recent seasons, and Shearer said: "I've lost count of the number of times I've said: 'This is our season and we can go on and win a trophy'. We've got a great chance, we're in the quarter-finals, so we'll see what the draw throws up.

"It's a path into Europe and it's a piece of silverware and for too long this club has been starved of that sort of success.

"We hope we can give it to the fans - and Bobby - this season.'

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