THEY might not play until Monday, but an honest Alan Shearer has admitted that Newcastle’s Premier League fate could be sealed within the next 24 hours.

Newcastle entertain Middlesbrough in the biggest North-East derby for 19 years on Monday night, but before they take the field at St James’ Park, both of their relegation rivals will have played another fixture.

Hull entertain Stoke at the KC Stadium this afternoon, while Sunderland travel to the Reebok Stadium to face Bolton, and if both sides win, the Magpies will be six points adrift of safety with three games to play.

That would change the complexion of the club’s relegation battle entirely, and mean Newcastle would almost certainly have to claim two wins and a draw to have any chance of avoiding the drop.

Shearer will spend this afternoon glued to the television, and while United’s fate will not be sealed by what happens in Humberside and Lancashire, their destiny is now out of their hands.

“At this moment in time, we’re looking at the (Middlesbrough) game and thinking that one win will get us out of the bottom three,”

said Shearer, who scored the final goal of his career in a North- East derby against Sunderland.

“But that could change come Saturday afternoon with Hull’s result, so we’ll be sitting there with our fingers crossed, relying on a team or two to do us a favour.

“Psychologically, it would be fantastic if we were three points behind. It would be a huge benefit.

Six points is a hell of a lot more than three, so it’s obvious what we want and we’ll be hoping and praying that Bolton and Stoke do us a favour.

“We’re training (this) morning and, in the afternoon, I’ll be sitting watching the results come through like everyone else. And before you ask, I won’t be going to walk the dog (unlike former Sunderland boss Roy Keane).”

As well as keeping an eye on the latest scores, Shearer will spend this afternoon pondering his team selection for Monday’s game.

With Joey Barton suspended following his dismissal against Liverpool, Newcastle’s midfield problems have been exacerbated by a thigh injury to Alan Smith.

The former England international has suffered internal bleeding since injuring his thigh in last weekend’s defeat to Liverpool, and is unlikely to recover in time to face Boro.

“Alan is doubtful,”

admitted Shearer. “He took a severe knock on the thigh which has bled inside, so he’s going to be touch and go.

“I don’t think that leaves us short, because we’ve got Danny (Guthrie), Nicky (Butt) and Kevin (Nolan).

But we’ll be doing everything we can to try to get Alan fit.”

While Smith is unlikely to be involved on Monday, Steven Taylor should end a two-match lay-off after recovering from an ankle problem. With Jose Enrique still sidelined, the defender’s return could hardly have come at a better time.

“Steven’s back in full training and as long as there’s no reaction this weekend – which we don’t expect there to be – he’ll be available,” added Shearer.

“I’d like him available because he gives me options, but then I’d like to have everyone available if I could.”