Shearer back for Newcastle

Alan Shearer returned to the Newcastle starting line-up as coach John Carver attempted to hand over the reins to Graeme Souness with three more points in the bank.

Shearer, who was named only as a substitute by Sir Bobby Robson in his final match in charge, returned at the expense of Dutch international Patrick Kluivert, while there was also a recall for midfielder Kieron Dyer.

Dyer, who famously refused to play on the right side of midfield at Middlesbrough, was asked to fulfil that same role, while Robbie Elliott got the nod at left-back with Olivier Bernard injured.

Blackburn, who were themselves left without a manager after Souness accepted Newcastle’s offer, also made three changes as caretaker boss Tony Parkes drafted in Michael Gray, Brett Emerton and Garry Flitcroft for the suspended Lorenzo Amoruso, the injured David Thompson and Tugay, who was relegated to the bench.

Newcastle: Given, Carr, O’Brien, Hughes, Elliott, Dyer, Jenas, Bowyer, Robert, Shearer, Bellamy. Subs: Kluivert, Harper, Milner, Ameobi, N’Zogbia.

Blackburn: Friedel, Neill, Short, Matteo, Gray, Emerton, Flitcroft, Ferguson, Pedersen, Dickov, Stead. Subs: Tugay, Enckelman, Jansen, Douglas, Bothroyd.

Referee: D Gallagher (Oxfordshire)