Soccer: Shearer closing on full fitness

Former England captain Alan Shearer is to visit a specialist on Friday as he steps up his bid to return to Premiership action.

The Newcastle striker has been out since March after surgery on tendinitis in his knee, but he is confident the injury is finally beginning to heal.

‘‘The knee is coming on - I’m up to three-quarter pace now and I’m seeing the specialist again on Friday,’’ he said after being awarded an OBE by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Shearer collect the OBE watched by his two daughters, Chloe, eight, and Hollie, six and wife Lainya.

‘‘This is the stuff that dreams are made of - to bring your family to the Palace - it’s just fantastic,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m just so pleased that my family’s here the two girls have been really excited for a long time.

‘‘Our little boy, Will, is only 10 months, so he’s back in Newcastle with my mum and dad.

‘‘I’ve had some leg-pulling from other players, but I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all those people who have helped me at Southampton, Blackburn and Newcastle.’’