Toon duo in it for Shear enjoyment

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 Cheltenham.

The pair are part-owners of 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.

"I won't be there, unfortunately, as we have a game on Wednesday I'm gutted," McDermott said. "I would normally have gone down this afternoon.