Premiership: Shearer faces late fitness test

Newcastle skipper Alan Shearer faces a late fitness test ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Charlton to St James’ Park.

The 31-year-old broke his nose in an horrific clash with former team-mate Robert Lee at Derby last Saturday, but will play if he can persuade manager Bobby Robson that he can head the ball without worrying about the injury.

Craig Bellamy will also be given a chance to prove he has fully recovered from his knee injury, and it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that the two could play together for the first time since February 24 for at least part of the game.