Shearer is on course for future in coaching

Alan Shearer is keeping his options open for retirement - by making the first moves to become a fully qualified coach.

The Newcastle striker, who will retire at the end of next season, is already an accomplished member of Sky Sports' international commentary team.

But the 33-year-old Newcastle captain, among the front-runners to eventually replace Sir Bobby Robson as the club's manager, has started his UEFA B course with five team-mates and hopes to qualify next year.

Shearer has not ruled out a move into coaching when he finishes playing, although he is keen to emphasise he has yet to make his mind up.

He said: 'It's the right time to do it and I feel I will need it in the future. I'm doing it with five or six others at the club and hopefully before the end of the season we will be qualified. The course started seven weeks ago and continues through to April.

'It is going all right and I believe it is better to have it than not, but whether I'm any good, you will have to ask other people.'

Robson has welcomed Shearer's first step towards becoming a coach and said he was encouraging a number of Newcastle players to follow his lead. But it will be Shearer who makes his final decision on what to do in future. Shearer scored his 100th goal under Robson in Saturday's 3-0 win over Manchester City and is set to line up at St James'Park against Basle in their UEFA Cup second round, second leg match tomorrow night. The Geordies hold a 3-2 advantage.

Robson said: 'Alan has options, such as going into the media but he has to decide what he wants to do, rather than me.

'However, I'm delighted he has taken the course and it may be an option, but it is up to Alan and what he feels is best for him, whether his role will be in the media or going into coaching.'