Shearer to face Celtic in charity Toon testimonial

NEWCASTLE skipper Alan Shearer is to donate the anticipated £1 million (€1.4 million) proceeds from his testimonial game to charity and other good causes.

It was confirmed yesterday that the 35-year-old will mark 10 years with his home-town club with a showcase game against Scottish giants Celtic at St James’ Park on May 11 - setting up the prospect of one final clash with old adversary Roy Keane.

Shearer, who broke Jackie Milburn’s club record of 200 goals in the 2-0 league victory over Portsmouth earlier this month and is the Premiership’s leading scorer on 255 goals, had pledged to help those less fortunate than himself by handing over the cash to worthy causes, just as former Sunderland legend Niall Quinn did back in 2002.

“I’ve lived my boyhood dream,” he said. “I’ve played in front of the most loyal fans in the world, captained my country, played for the home team I supported as a boy and broken the goalscoring record of an absolute Tyneside legend, and now I have my final opportunity to say farewell to the fans who have supported me so well throughout my career.”

Shearer, who joined his home-town club in a then world-record £15m (€21m) move from Blackburn in 1996, guaranteed himself legendary status when he eclipsed Milburn’s record, and has repeatedly insisted he does not want to be considered for the vacant manager’s job at St James’.

Chairman Freddy Shepherd has little doubt as to his legacy.

“Alan Shearer is a true professional and is the epitome of all that is good about this terrific game,” he said.

“Alan was brought to this club to score goals in the number nine shirt and the new record speaks for itself. His loyalty, commitment and total dedication over the years has provided, and continues to provide, supporters with superb entertainment. He will be remembered by today’s generation as the greatest player to play for Newcastle and one of England’s and the world’s most celebrated players.”