<b>Betting:</b> Football tips

Newcastle legends have been literally queuing round St James' Park to hail Alan Shearer as their Messiah.

Technically he's got no chance of living up to a billing that is reserved exclusively for Kevin Keegan.

Shearer is qualified for the job on the back of a couple of hundred goals in a black and white shirt. It's not the sort of logic you could envisage being employed at Arsenal when Arsene Wenger calls it day, despite Ian Wright's continued popularity amongst Gooners.

Still, the club lacked a figurehead capable of commanding instant respect, and Shearer certainly ticks that box. His side have a tough run-in, but it's impossible to predict the outcome of the next round of Premier League fixtures, let alone eight — especially considering the number of teams still currently embroiled in the relegation shake-up.

Undeniably, however, Newcastle have a squad which player-for-player compares favourably with any of the teams currently around them. Michael Owen will no doubt be boosted by the presence of a man who enjoys talking horse racing / values him as a goalscoring great.

But defensively, they are a complete shambles and are hindered by injuries in that department. It's difficult to see Shearer, no matter how much he's practised his fist pumping action, masterminding an improvement in that area. But at a hugely generous price, it's worth backing Newcastle to survive by the skin of their teeth.

Recommended bet: Newcastle to finish 17th, 4-1 (Paddy Power).