Shearer fears the worst

Alan Shearer admitted Tuesday he "fears the worst" after a scan on his injured knee had to be delayed.

Shearer, set to retire as a player at the end of the current season, suffered a suspected tear of his medial ligament during Newcastle's 4-1 north-east derby win away to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Monday.

So bad is the swelling around Shearer's left knee that a scan originally scheduled for Thursday has been put back 24 hours until Friday, making it increasingly likely that the former England captain will not see out his final campaign as a player.

"I am fearing the worst unfortunately," said Shearer. "I have been injured before plenty of times so I know the scenario and I haven't got a great hope.

"It's a matter of time. We have to wait and see and let nature take its course and hopefully the scan will reveal on Friday the damage is not too bad. "Over the years my glass has always been half full and not half empty."

Whatever else happens, local hero Shearer plans to make one final appearance at Newcastle's St James' Park ground for his end-of-season testimonial match against Celtic.

"I will try hard to do it. Newcastle is my club and always has been. I've had 10 wonderful years here," Shearer said.

"I have not given up hope yet, hopefully I can play a small part in the testimonial. All the tickets are sold and the money is going to charity."