SPURS manager Harry Redknapp still has no regrets about turning down the Newcastle manager’s job and insisted Alan Shearer is the right man to steer the Magpies to safety.

Redknapp was poised to replace Sam Allardyce at St James’ Park in January 2008 but chose to remain at Portsmouth, recommending the Newcastle board appoint either Shearer or Kevin Keegan.

With rookie boss Shearer declaring he’s “not daunted”

by the prospect of facing the vastly experienced Redknapp, the Spurs manager backed his opposite number to remain in management beyond his initial seven-game contract.

“It was a fantastic appointment,”

Redknapp said. “They couldn’t have picked anyone better than Alan Shearer – he was the one person who could give the place a massive lift like he has.

“He has fantastic knowledge of the game and what he achieved makes him one of the all-time great players. If anyone can pull Newcastle around Alan is the man to do it. He’ll get the bug for management.

“If you look at Liverpool when they took Kenny Dalglish, what a job he did there. He came straight out of playing into managing. When you have the knowledge Alan has, it is not a problem.”

Shearer, who has already called on the likes of Bobby Robson and Keegan for advice, is now looking to emulate Redknapp’s renowned man-management.

“I’ve tremendous respect for him because he’s been around for goodness knows how long,” said the Newcastle boss. “He’s a character and I get on very well with him. I like the way he goes about things and it was no surprise to me when he rejuvenated Spurs. I love his attitude towards the players and those that have played for him love him back.”

Since taking over at relegat i o n - t h r e a t e n e d Spurs, Redknapp has piloted the London club towards a Europa League position and claimed he had no regrets about turning down a move to Tyneside.

“No, I don’t regret it, but Newcastle is a great club,” he confirmed.

“You only have to look at the support they get and the atmosphere the fans generate.

They have got themselves in a bit of hole this season but I think they will get out of it. I think they have three home games that could save their season.”

By the time Newcastle kick off tomorrow, they could be four points adrift of safety facing a Spurs side who have lost only one home game since Redknapp’s arrival.

To help breach Tottenham’s resolute defence Shearer will consider p a r t n e r i n g Michael Owen with Andy Carroll – the latter now being compared with former Magpies striker Duncan Ferguson.

Shearer said: “On his day, big Dunc was unplayable. Andy has a long way to go. Because of the size and the aggression with the heading ability, that’s why they’re being compared.

I have a decision to make whether we start with him,” confirmed the manager, who hopes Carroll won’t follow Ferguson’s example of kicking down the manager’s door.

“Yes he (Ferguson) beat me to it. I don’t want Andy doing that! He is a talent. If we can help him and guide him, ask him to do one or two things differently that he has not been asked before, hopefully he will get us some goals to help us out of trouble. He excites me. It is hard to believe that he is 6ft 3 ins and shy, especially when I saw that hair cut he had a few weeks ago!”

Despite Shola Ameobi continuing to divide opinion among Newcastle fans, Shearer has faith in his former team mate’s ability.

“I am trying in this short time to get what I see in training out on a match day. There is ability in there. He worked hard last week without much luck in front of goal.”

■ Tottenham centre-back Jonathan Woodgate hopes his former clubs Newcastle and Middlesbrough survive their relegation battles.

‘‘I don’t want either of my former teams, Newcastle and Middlesbrough, to go down,’’ he said.

‘‘Any team can put a string of consistent performances togethre, including them."