Shearer hails 'common sense'

Outgoing Newcastle captain Alan Shearer says common sense has prevailed after Glenn Roeder was granted special dispensation to coach The Magpies next season.

After circumventing Premier League rules about the Uefa Pro Licence, Newcastle are expected to name Roeder as their new boss on a permanent basis on Monday.

Shearer has welcomed the decision by Newcastle's fellow Premiership clubs to allow Roeder to continue in the job at St James' Park, as well as hailing the impact he has made since taking over from Graeme Souness in a caretaker capacity.

"I think common sense has prevailed and we all hope he does a great job," Shearer told Sky Sports News.

"His record in the last three or four months would suggest that [he is the best man for the job].

"He came in first of all and said he didn't want the job, but that's what football does to you.

"He's got the taste of winning and it's a great feeling. He wants more of that and I don't blame him."

Shearer was again reluctant to discuss his own future with the club next year, as after retiring he may opt to make a clean break from football.

However, the legendary Magpies striker admitted he is close to Roeder and is keen to continue his association with his boyhood club.

"He knows me very well, I know him very well, and we trust each other," Shearer added.

"I'll be coming to watch as many games as I can here over the coming months.

"It's my club and I want to stay involved with it."

Shearer also backed Sven Goran Eriksson's sensational decision to pick untried teenager Theo Walcott in England's World Cup squad, despite the Arsenal starlet having never played a minute of Premiership football.

"A big gamble, I'm sure he's taken Arsene Wenger's advice has Sven.

"Arsene hasn't been wrong too many times but he hasn't played in The Premier League, at the highest level yet but I don't think age bothers me.

"If you are good enough you are old enough. It could be a big surprise package, we hope so, but it's a gamble."