Magpies duo keep eyes on Cheltenham

Newcastle United’s dream run of form has denied coach Terry McDermott and captain Alan Shearer the chance to join their horses on the annual pilgrimage to the Cheltenham Festival this week.

The pair are part-owners of tomorrow’s Smurfit Champion Hurdle hopeful Intersky Falcon, but Wednesday evening’s second-leg Uefa Cup tie against Olympiakos at St James’ Park means they will have to watch the action deep in the Cotswolds from afar.