Kieron Dyer was top of the agenda as Sven-Goran Eriksson picked the brains of former England coach Bobby Robson yesterday.

The new England coach visited Newcastle's training for a lengthy meeting with Robson.

It's believed that Eriksson received an update on Dyer's form and fitness and asked Robson for his opinion on other England contenders in the Premiership.

Robson's experiences with England also enabled him to give Eriksson an insight into the demands of the job.

Eriksson is set for an early return to Tyneside as St James' Park has been earmarked as the venue for one of his first World Cup qualifiers.

England are expected to stage the match against Albania on Tyneside on September 5 - the first full international at the ground since a win against Norway in 1938.

Eriksson already knows that even the prospect of leading England at St James' Park won't persuade Alan Shearer to rethink his decision to quit international football

And the coach missed the opportunity to see Shearer in action yesterday because the striker delayed his scheduled return to full training following a knee operation.

His absence confirmed that his hopes of returning at Charlton on Sunday are in ruins, but Shearer is expected to be fit for United's next game against Manchester City.

Midfielder Robert Lee will be the among the first to welcome him back. "It will be a major boost," said Lee. "We've done very well when you consider the injuries we've had and we are still up there.

"Hopefully Alan will be back against City and Carl Cort won't be too far behind. Opposing teams see Alan's name on the teamsheet and know they are for a tough game."

Defender Alain Goma, who feared he would be out for six weeks because of a broken hand, may also be available for the clash with City.

Former Newcastle favourite Peter Beardsley will take a giant step towards his UEFA coaching badge today - at the training ground of North East rivals Middlesbrough.

Beardsley, part of the FA's coaching scheme, will work with Boro's under-16's as he attempts to achieve his first coaching qualification