Magpies wait for Shearer fitness verdict

Newcastle remain hopeful that skipper Alan Shearer will prove his fitness ahead of Sunday’s Barclays Premiership opener at Arsenal.

The 34-year-old missed last night’s 7-1 friendly victory over Bray Wanderers in Ireland as he continued to receive treatment for a calf injury, and both manager Graeme Souness and his assistant Alan Murray admit he is a doubt for the game at Highbury.