A TEAM of celebrities limbered up for their big football challenge by training with some of Newcastle United's star players.

The squad, which will take on a team of professionals in The Match, on Sky One, later this month took part in their first game against players of the quality they will meet at St James' Park in five days time.

The Magpies' team included Alan Shearer, Shay Given, Shola Ameobi, Lee Bowyer, manager Graeme Souness and coach Dean Saunders.

Ashes hero Steve Harmison, a Newcastle United fan, also joined in the session.

Midfielder Martin Brittain scored the first goal for the professionals, quickly followed by Shola Ameobi, who then tapped in a second.

For the celebrities, So Solid Crew's Harvey and X Factor winner Steve Brookstein were among those to shine.

The match is at St James' Park, Newcastle, on October 9.

The squad the celebrities will face includes the likes of Newcastle legends Paul Gascoigne, Philipe Albert and Peter Beardsley, along with the likes of Gary Pallister, Matt Le Tissier, John Barnes and Peter Reid.

For ticket information, log on to www.skyone.co.uk/the match2

Brave move: So Solid Crew band member Harvey tests his strength in training against Newcastle United manager - and legendary midfield hardman - Graeme Souness