Shearer returns to training

Alan Shearer, the former England captain, has resumed training after two operations on his injured knee and will take another significant step towards resuming his playing career with Newcastle United when he is examined by Dr Richard Steadman, his surgeon, early next month.

Shearer underwent surgery after the tendinitis which had been bothering him since before England's Euro 2000 campaign last summer finally came to a head. A series of steroid injections failed to alleviate the problem and he had his first operation back in December.

However, just two games into his comeback, he suffered a relapse and it was decided that further minor surgery was required to resolve the situation.

Both Shearer and the club have insisted all along that the injury is not career-threatening, and although they have refused to put a date on his projected return to action, it is thought he could be fit for the end of August.