SVEN-GORAN Eriksson established that Alan Shearer would not change his mind over international retirement before plotting the future course of English football.

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson revealed yesterday that the England coach questioned whether the 30-year-old striker could be talked out of the decision he made at the end of Euro 2000.

"I told Sven 'sorry but you've come too late,'" revealed Robson. "He wanted to know whether there was any chance of a comeback but I confirmed that Alan had retired and would not change his mind.

"I told him there were other candidates and other younger players and it was up to him to pick them."

Eriksson talked to Robson and Shearer earlier this month.

Robson, who welcomes back his former England skipper against Manchester City today following a nine-week lay-off, added: "I believe the decision Alan made was the right one.

"He has had a wonderful career and captained his country and he could see younger players coming through. He made a clever, wise judgement."

Shearer returns from knee surgery determined to spearhead a Euro-charge by the Geordies, who are still in a position to qualify for the UEFA cup despite a season of crippling injuries.

The Toon marksman said: "I'm as interested as anybody else in Mr Eriksson's selection and I'll be at Villa Park on Wednesday to cheer England on. But currently I have more important things on my mind.

"I still think it's a miracle that we are on course to qualify for Europe when you consider the players have got this far without Carl Cort, Nikos Dabizas, Didier Domi or myself.

"Take Roy Keane, Jaap Stam, Andy Cole and Ryan Giggs out of Manchester United's side and you would see the difference.

"But we are still in a group of eight or nine clubs that can get into Europe. The result at Charlton a fortnight ago didn't help but we have the chance to get back on track."

Shearer is set to start for the first time alongside teenage prospect Shola Ameobi, who had filled in manfully in the absence of the Newcastle skipper.

"I believe we can cause defences problems playing together," said the Newcastle skipper.

"Shola has come in and done a difficult job and his form has been a big plus. He doesn't look out of place and he has scored a couple of goals. He's a good lad - and he's a Geordie!"

Ameobi was yesterday called into England's Under 21 squad for the first time and looks to have turned his back on the chance to play for his native country Nigeria.

Shearer meanwhile has scored on comebacks in the past and hopes he can continue the run against City, especially as his goal decided the game at Maine Road earlier in the season.

"It has been a difficult eight weeks but I can't wait to get back," he added. "I always had this date in mind and hopefully I won't need further surgery like this in my career because I've had my share."

Robson confirmed he would start the match with his No 1 striker and 19-year-old Ameobi.

"It's not the first time Alan has astonished me and I'm happy to tell our fans that I will start with him because the news will give everybody a boost," he said.

"He has scored 300-plus goals despite missing two full seasons and it's an astonishing record. He is our captain and our leader and the players know what he can do for us.

"It will be great for him to play without pain and I think it will be a great education for Shola."

Meanwhile, Shearer's former Newcastle teammate Steve Howey - now with today's opponents Manchester City - yesterday said the striker had quit international football too early.

He said: ''I think Alan was possibly a little bit quick in his decision to leave the England set-up. But at the same time I think he couldn't believe some of the criticism he was getting."