The jury's out on Shearer May 27 2005 By The Journal He may still be one of the most popular players at Newcastle United, but that has not prevented more than half of the club's supporters questioning Alan Shearer's decision to postpone his retirement. Former England skipper Shearer's decision to play on for another year was warmly received last month - a third still regard it as manager Graeme Souness's biggest success at St James's Park - but a lack of goals and form from the Magpies target man in the last few weeks has caused many of those who replied to The Journal's end-of-season survey to suggest the 34-year-old was wrong to decide to play on for another year. Despite finishing the campaign as the club's top goalscorer with 19, to put him just eight behind Jackie Milburn's club record, 42% of supporters said he should have quit as planned, with another 19% unsure about the wisdom of his decision. Of Shearer's 19 goals last term, six were penalties and only seven came in the Premiership, the last coming against Manchester City on February 17. As a result, it seems there are doubts among the Toon Army about the veteran's ability to retain the high standards he has set throughout his career. Nevertheless, while time may have started to catch up with Newcastle's inspirational centre-forward, 56% of fans want to see him retain the captain's armband now that he is staying, while 69% feel he is right to remain at St James's Park, even if he is no longer an automatic choice. Former United manager Sir Bobby Robson had begun to plan for Shearer's departure 12 months ago and had hinted that his captain could no longer expect to play in every game. Robson's stance is widely believed to have contributed to his sacking back in August, the axe falling two days after he left Shearer on the bench during a 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa. The dismissal of Robson, though, has split United fans down the middle. Some 46% claimed his sacking was the right decision and 43% insisted it was the wrong decision, with just under a quarter of fans polled pointing to his enforced departure as the low point of the season.

Intertoto update The first of three possible teams we could face in the Intertoto Cup Third Round is now confirmed, with Budapest side Vasas named by the Hungarian FA as one of their two representatives (along with the bizarrely-named Lombard FC Pápa). Famed as the only side the mackems have ever beaten in their short (4 game) European history, their 13th place finish ensured qualification, after the likes of Ujpest, Pecs, Honved and Videoton all elected not to enter the competition (like Newcastle, the rule about finishing in the top 12 of the league isn't apparently being enforced.) Vasas begin their campaign at home on June 18th/19th against a still-to-be confirmed Slovakian side, with the second leg a week later. The winners then meet a Turkish team (again still tbc although Gençlerbirligi have finished in 5th spot - it's not known as yet however whether they will opt to play in the Intertoto). That brings to Round three, where Newcastle face an away tie on July 16th or 17th then entertain their opponents at SJP on Saturday July 23rd. Should Vasas get through to face us, then we'll be making our fourth appearance in Hungary, after Fairs Cup trips to face the aforementioned Ujpest and Pecs, plus a 1996/97 game in the UEFA Cup against Budapest-based side Ferencvaros. Vasas play at the Fáy útcai stadium, which has a claimed capacity of 18,000 and is situated in the 13th district of the city - also known as Angyalföld (Angel's Field). District XIII is on the Pest side of the Danube, to the North of the city centre. Vasas were originally an ironworks side who dominated Hungarian football in the early 1960s, with four domestic championships won between 1961 and 1966. They've since fallen from grace and like many Hungarian sides experienced financial hardship. Defea by AEK Athens in the qualifying stages of the 2000/01 UEFA Cup was their last "proper" European involvement and this will be the fourth time that they've entered the Intertoto Cup. Their best run in that competition to date has been elimination at the third round stage 1999 by Polonia Warsaw, after having entered in the first round. 2005/06 Intertoto teams known so far: Andorra: FC Rangers Armenia: Ararat Yerevan Austria: Sturm Graz Azerbaijan: FK Karvan Evlakh Belarus: tbc Belgium: Charleroi, AA Gent, Lokeren Bosnia: tbc Croatia: tbc Cyprus: Olympiakos Nicosia Czech Rep: tbc England: Newcastle United Estonia: JK Trans Narva Faroes: Skala Itrottarfelag Finland: Tampere, International Turku France: Marseille*, RC Lens, St.Etienne Georgia: tbc Germany: Dortmund, Hamburg, Wolfsburg Greece: tbc Hungary: Vasas, Lombard FC Pápa Iceland: Akranes Ireland: Bohemians Israel: tbc Italy: tbc Latvia: Dinaburg Lithuania: tbc Luxembourg: FC Victoria Rosport Macedonia: tbc Malta: Valletta Moldova: tbc Netherlands: Roda JC Northern Ireland: Distillery Poland: tbc Portugal: Lieira Romania: tbc Serbia: OFK Belgrade Slovenia: tbc Slovakia: tbc Spain: Valencia, Deportivo La Coruna Sweden: Gothenburg Switzerland: tbc Turkey: tbc Wales: Bangor City *team has qualified for a place but is yet to officially accept it. Amongst those not competing are: Scotland, Ukraine, Russia, Bulgaria, Denmark, Norway, Kazakhstan, San Marino and Liechtenstein. Dates / Actions: Mon 6th June: UEFA confirm full list of participating clubs (although the league season in Slovakia and a number of other countries extends after this date, so there still could be some either/or entries.) Sat/ Sun 18th / 19th June & Sat/ Sun 25 / 26th June: First Round. We're interested in tie 10, which is Hungary's first entrant against the Slovakian side. Sat / Sun 2nd / 3rd July & Sat / Sun 9th / 10th July: Second Round. We play the winners of tie K, between the aforementioned first round qualifiers and Turkey's entrant - second leg of which is in Turkey. Sat / Sun 16 / 17th July & Sat 23rd July: Third Round. We are away first then at home to either a Hungarian, Slovakian or Turkish side. Then, if successful: Wed 27th July & Wed 3rd August: Semi-Final Draw for this is made between Second and Third Rounds (10th and 16th July). Then, if successful: Tue 9th August & Tue 23rd August: Final Draw for this is made between Second and Third Rounds (10th and 16th July). Then, if successful: Thu 15th Sep & Thu 29th Sept: UEFA Cup First Round Draw for this is made on Friday August 26th. 61 teams enter the Intertoto Cup at various stages, with big question marks at present regarding the possible clubs we could face on July 16th. Player eligibility deadlines: 2005 figures not available yet, but last year players had to be registered by June 10th 2004 to play in the Third Round and July 26th 2004 in the Semi Final and Final. We may be wrong, but that would seem to us to preclude the appearance of new players* in the Third Round games - as the transfer window won't have opened. * excluding non-contract players etc.

Loanee: Bellamy bites into Tangerines In what is being widely predicted as his final competitive appearance for Celtic, on-loan Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy signed off with a winner's medal in Saturday's Scottish Cup Final. An 11th minute deflected shot from former Magpie Alan Thompson was enough to dispose of Dundee United in a tense match played in front of 50,635 at a damp Hampden. Having lost the league last weekend, Celtic were desperate to gain some silverware in manager Martin O'Neill's final game in charge of the hoops. However his side looked lethargic and jaded, with only Bellamy providing the necessary spark to threaten the Terrors with his pace and competitiveness. The Welshman was at the centre of most of the match action, with some great work down the left flank (ha!) that sadly wasn't matched by supporting runs or decent shots on goal from his colleagues. And with linesman Andy Davis continually foiling Bellamy's runs with dubious calls, the striker's adrenaline was already pumping before he was drought down inside the box in the final few minutes of the game, when he looked likely to seal the win. Chris Sutton though took the resultant penalty and reprised Beckham's Portugal 2004 banana skin act as his standing foot slipped away. Dundee United almost forced an equaliser as they struck the Celtic crossbar in added time, but Celtic held out to lift the trophy - which Bellamy paraded around Hampden, clad in a Welsh flag. Bellamy's 15 games in Scotland brought him 9 goals including 2 in the Scottish Cup. He also managed 10 for Newcastle this season before moving to Glasgow, plus 3 for his country. PS - just less than 24 hours later and Bellamy had his boots back on, as he played in the Jackie McNamara testimonial game in front of 50,000 fans at Celtic Park. Facing Shay Given and Stephen Carr in the Republic of Ireland side, Bellamy brought one good save from the legs of the 'keeper and saw a goal chalked off, before being withdrawn from the action to good applause on 36 minutes. Given in turn made way for Paddy Kenny at the interval, while Andy O'Brien appeared for the second half. Carr, who had played at left back was subbed on 69 minutes, but reappeared for the last 10 minutes of the game in a different shirt on the opposite flank. With Henrik Larsson returning for the home side amid great cheers, Ireland had the final word when Robbie Keane netted the only goal of the game in the last minute, with an angled drive.

Kite-flying: Emre tries the "great fans" angle The latest toon transfer link is one that we've featured before on these pages, with current talk of Turkish midfielder Emre Belozoglu echoing media speculation in both December 2004 and March 2005. This time the 24 year-old left footer has been quoted in the Italian press as being in favour of a possible move from Inter Milan to the toon: "I have had contact off several clubs, but a move to England interests me the most at this time. "Although a move back to Turkey cannot be out ruled, I feel that I am seeking a new challenge and England will give me that. “Newcastle would be an interesting move, I have a lot of time for their manager and it’s a club that has not had the success it perhaps deserves. "I spoke to some of the Turkish lads who played in England and they all agreed that the atmosphere and the fans there are something special, it would be an honour for me to play for a club like that.” However it's worth pointing out that behind that innocent-sounding statement, there's a player and an agent who have been working for months to try and draw bids for his services. Back in March of this year, stories of so- far unconfirmed interest from Manchester United and Arsenal were followed up by another claim from his agent Ahmet Bulut of a bid from Liverpool: "Emre wants to leave at the end of the season. I am now waiting for the offers and expect to receive them over the next few weeks. "We expect that only the top clubs in England could afford Emre's salary and we know there has been a lot of interest there. "Liverpool tried for him during the transfer window, so that is something we may look at again - but we are still looking at the offers." And in contrast to Emre's current statement leaving the door open for a return to his home country, in March he was having none of that: "I have told the Nerazzurri's officials that I'll leave in June because I want to play in another country. "I don't want to come back to Turkey. I've received many offers both from Spain and England and I hope to go in one of those countries. "I have another two years' contract with Inter, but I hope there won't be problems." Emre was part of the Inter side that faced us in the 2002/03 Champions League campaign, starting both home and away games. Almost inevitably, Everton, Boro and Spurs have also been mentioned as possible destinations for Emre - no doubt Villa will be linked sometime soon to complete the full set. so is Emre 2004's Mido? we shall see.....

Minnows Hungary for test Newcastle United are closer to knowing their Intertoto Cup opponents, with Hungarian minnows Vasas vying to face the Magpies. Budapest side Vasas, the only team Sunderland have beaten in European competition, will enter the Intertoto in the first round despite finishing a lowly 13th in the Hungarian league. Ujpest Dozsa, famously beaten over two legs by Newcastle in the 1969 Fairs Cup final, were among the Hungarian clubs that chose not to apply for the Intertoto. United's other two potential third- round opponents, from Slovakia and Turkey, are not yet known. Vasas will take on Slovakia's entry in the first round and the winners will then play Turkey's sole entrant in the second round. The Magpies will then enter the competition, playing the winner of that tie for a place in the semi-finals. But while Graeme Souness's side would be expected to progress comfortably into the semis, they could face tough competition for one of the three places in next season's UEFA Cup. For Olympique Marseille and Borussia Dortmund are among the big guns to have qualified for the Intertoto, which has three finals, with the winners of each going into the UEFA Cup at the first round stage. Marseille knocked the Magpies out of the UEFA Cup in the semi-finals in 2003-04 and coach Philippe Troussier has revealed the club will decide next week whether to accept their invitation following the end of the French season. "The Intertoto Cup is a competition to be respected because it makes possible an entry into Europe," said Troussier. In 1973-74, Sunderland were paired with Vasas in the first round of the Cup-Winners' Cup, having qualified for Europe by lifting the FA Cup the previous season. Sunderland drew 0-0 with Vasas in Budapest and beat them 2-0 at Roker Park to reach the second round, where the Second Division team were knocked out by Sporting Lisbon. Newcastle, meanwhile, are reporting back for pre-season on July 4 ahead of their first game, which will be away on either July 16 or 17 and at home on July 23. Intertoto Cup dates - third round: July 16/17 (a) and July 23 (h); semi-final: July 27 and August 3; final: August 9 and 23. UEFA Cup first round: September 15 and 29.

Bellamy takes on United trio Outcast Craig Bellamy came face to face with three of his Newcastle United colleagues at Parkhead yesterday. The Welsh striker was making the final appearance of his loan spell with Celtic and was in direct opposition to goalkeeper Shay Given, as well as defenders Andy O'Brien and Stephen Carr, who were all playing for the Republic Of Ireland in Jackie McNamara's testimonial match. Bellamy managed to beat Given during the match but his well-taken finish was chalked off by an offside flag, and the Republic went on to win 1-0 thanks to an injury-time goal by Robbie Keane. With Celtic having won the Scottish Cup jut 23 hours previously - and celebrated the 1-0 defeat of Dundee United afterwards - it was unsurprising there was little urgency in their play. The man who lifted the cup, Celtic captain McNamara, insists he does not yet know whether his testimonial will also double as his farewell party. That was the 31-year-old's reward for 10 years at the club but he is one of a number of players whose contracts are only days away from expiring. And with Gordon Strachan yet to take over from Martin O'Neill, who has stepped down to spend more time with sick wife Geraldine, McNamara admitted his future was uncertain. He said: "I don't know what will happen. I will have to wait and see what the future holds, if it is here or wherever. I will have to wait and see what the club want to do. "I think the new manager is wanting to speak to certain players and tell them if he is going to offer them something so I will have to wait and see like everyone else." McNamara insisted he was not unduly worried, however. He said: "I have been a Bosman three times and I think if it was my first time I would be a bit more concerned. "Hopefully things will get sorted out. It is down to the club and the manager if they want to keep me. "I haven't had any offers from other clubs - not one. I have always stated it would be nice to finish my career here but it is not down to me." Strachan is due at Parkhead for the first time tomorrow. Goalkeeper Robert Douglas looks set to leave for Leicester but midfielder Neil Lennon is confident of being handed a new deal.

Unease grows in squad Andy O'Brien last night conceded few Newcastle players can approach the close-season confident of their United futures as Graeme Souness prepares to step up his summer clear-out next month. The experienced international, a second-half substitute during Ireland's friendly clash against Celtic at Parkhead yesterday, is still coming to terms with the shock departure of friend and room-mate Aaron Hughes to Aston Villa. And O'Brien is braced for a thorough overhaul of a Magpies' squad which failed to reach its obvious potential following Sir Bobby Robson's dismissal last September. "Every player thinks about his situation in the close-season and every player has a price," mused a player deemed key to the Republic's World Cup qualifying campaign ahead of June's double header. "You're never certain what the future holds. "I'm no different but I've been told to report for pre-season training and that's what I'll be doing. Last season was difficult and disappointing but the players who do stay want to put things right." Hughes and O'Brien struck up a close friendship during their time rooming together with Newcastle and the latter, like the majority of United fans, was surprised to see Villa clinch the signature of the Magpies' Mr Reliable. "There's been plenty of talk during the last few weeks that players will be leaving and new players will be coming in but losing Aaron was a shock," he added. "Of course I'm disappointed Aaron has left the club. First and foremost he was my room-mate and we are good friends. I don't think there's any doubt he will be a big loss to the club. "He's been a fantastic professional and a big favourite with the fans. It's sad to see him go. He's a versatile defender who will take some replacing." O'Brien had hoped to start yesterday's benefit match in aid of long-serving Bhoys' favourite Jackie McNamara but Republic boss Brian Kerr opted for a central defensive partnership of Kenny Cunningham and Gary Docherty for the low key friendly. Newcastle's former Bradford defender is, nevertheless, expected to start against Israel at Lansdowne Road this weekend and he added: "I'm feeling fit at the moment and I'm keen to play a key role in the World Cup qualifiers. It's strange returning to full training so soon after the end of the domestic season but it doesn't take much to get back into shape. "Even before Richard Dunne and Gary Breen pulled out I was hoping to be selected on merit. I've had a good run with Ireland and I want it to continue. "Stephen Carr's suspended for the Israel game and he'll be a big miss. But we're confident we can go one better than we did in Tel Aviv. "That was a match we should have won and a game we were winning until the dying stages. But football showed again last week what an incredible game it can be and you can never take anything for granted. "We were all disappointed that we conceded a late goal against Israel but France drew on the same day and that left the group wide open. We have a good record at Lansdowne Road and we're very confident." O'Brien's United colleague Carr started alongside ex-Celtic trainee Shay Given and Sunderland striker Stephen Elliott yesterday in a fixture Kerr sanctioned to restore team spirit and match fitness ahead of the competitive clashes to come. "People talk about this time of year as the close-season but for those players involved in World Cup qualifiers it's a hugely important time of the year," added O'Brien. "England have decided not to play competitive matches this summer but I'd rather be playing for something than playing friendlies. "I've been focused on these games since the end of Newcastle's season and I can take my holiday later." Newcastle transfer target striker Robbie Keane is refusing to rule out the prospect of a summer move to Celtic - particularly in light of Gordon Strachan taking over the Parkhead helm on June 1. Keane appears to have dropped down the Tottenham pecking order under Martin Jol and, with just the year remaining on his third contract, speculation is mounting over his future. Keane, who yesterday scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory for the Republic of Ireland in a testimonial game for Bhoys captain Jackie McNamara, has been linked with a closed season switch to Celtic.

Viana Wants Future Resolved Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana expects his future to be decided within two weeks as he attempts to secure a permanent return to his native Portugal. Advertisement The 22-year-old, who joined the Magpies in an £8.5million move from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2002, admits he is still unsure where he will be playing next season after his former club failed to come up with an acceptable offer at the end of his season-long loan. However, he is hopeful it will not be on Tyneside after a difficult two years in the Barclays Premiership during which he struggled to bring his undoubted talent to bear. "As far as my long-term future is concerned, I still do not know what is happening," he said. "I have been in France with Sporting over the weekend and although one of the club's directors was with us, he did not speak to me. I think that tells its own story. "Right now, I am a Newcastle player. I have not been told to report for pre-season training because I do not think anyone at United really believes I will come back. "Everyone knows that I want to stay in Portugal, but it is out of my hands. Newcastle have not been in touch for a few weeks, but I know the chairman is doing everything he can to make the best of a difficult situation. "He knows how I feel and he is trying to help me. I appreciate that. I am confident everything will be resolved within two weeks." Porto and Benfica could step in for a player who was capped by Portugal at senior level as a teenager with striker Benni McCarthy and former Newcastle target Miguel respectively mooted as possible factors in any deal. Viana's future may be uncertain, but the knowledge that he is wanted will be a comfort after a difficult period in his career. "From a personal point of view, I have grown to love my football again," he told the Journal. "I have played regularly, scored goals and made goals. That is what I play the game for. "It was a massive difference to the previous two seasons and it has made me realise how important first-team football is."

Rumour: Robert latest Some quotes from French side Toulouse (who finished 13th in the league this season) confirming that negotiations have been opened with Laurent Robert appeared on SkySports this afternoon (Tuesday). However the tone of them seemed to indicate that the Newcastle player would only be in their thoughts should he obtain a release from the final year of his contract and be available on a free transfer. Newcastle have previously intimated this won't happen.

Van Buyten interested in Magpies Van Buyten played six times for Manchester City in 2004 Daniel van Buyten's agent admits the Belgian international defender would be interested in joining Newcastle. Van Buyten, 27, currently plays for Hamburg but had a loan spell with Manchester City two seasons ago. "Newcastle are looking for a central defender and he is a very good one, so why not move to England?" his agent Christophe Henrotay told BBC Sport. "Newcastle are a top club in England though they had a bad season, and the Premier League is the Premier League." Van Buyten moved to Hamburg on a four-year contract last summer and captained the side last season and Henrotay admitted it would be a difficult decision for him to leave. Good to see us being linked with players we can realistically sign "Daniel is still under contract so it's difficult to talk about a transfer, but England would be a good move," added Henrotay. "The Premiership is a very interesting league, one of the best in the world. "But he will not go looking for a move. He's only just got to Hamburg, he's the captain and was just named in the Bundesliga team of the year as well."

Transfer link II: Bena-toon? Also mentioned by the Guardian and previously referred to elsewhere is an interesting link to this man, Israeli international Yossi Benayoun: The 25 year-old left-sided midfielder is with Spanish side Racing Santander, having been spotted in his homeland by Ajax as a youngster and recruited to their academy. He failed to settle in Europe though and returned to Israel where he played for first Hapoel Ber-Sheva and Maccabi Haifa before moving to Spain in 2002. Benayoun has scored four goals in his last six full internationals and is expected to feature on Saturday when Israel face the Republic of Ireland at Lansdowne Road in a World Cup qualifier - where he'll face United pair Shay Given and Andy O'Brien (Stephen Carr is suspended).

Transfer link I: Big Dan wants to be our Van Man Over two years after we were first linked with Belgian international Daniel Van Buyten, the defender has re-emerged as a possible first signing in our close season rebuilding programme. In 2003 we enquired about the 6 foot 5 stopper, but ultimately succeeded in signing our main target, Jonathan Woodgate. The 27 year-old son of a former wrestler, Van Buyten made six appearances for Manchester City between February and March 2004 while on loan from Marseille. However he then moved to Germany to join SV Hamburg, who finished eighth in the Bundesliga last season. From the Guardian, Wednesday: Hamburg disclosed yesterday that they have received a bid of €5m (£3.4m) from Newcastle United for Daniel Van Buyten. Facing competition from Werder Bremen, Newcastle may have to raise their offer by £1m to secure the 27-year-old central defender, but comments from Van Buyten yesterday morning suggest that he is willing to go to Tyneside ahead of Bremen. "I have spoken to Graeme Souness and he said that he wants me and five or six others," said Van Buyten. "He said that he wants to rebuild and that next season Newcastle are going for the Champions League at least. He also said that Newcastle will even try for the Premier League title. "He told me that I will play alongside Jean-Alain Boumsong and that Boumsong already knows. "I do not know yet if I will even leave Hamburg but they are not in Europe next season and I want to play in the Champions League, that is my ambition." Van Buyten was speaking at Belgium's international squad base in Spa as Belgium prepare for Saturday's World Cup qualifier with Serbia in Belgrade, and he also mentioned "concrete interest" from Werder Bremen. Bremen can offer Van Buyten Champions League football next season and can, along with Newcastle, afford to pay more than £3.4m if necessary. Newcastle can only offer Intertoto Cup football, a competition Hamburg may yet enter. But Van Buyten, who played briefly on loan from Marseille at Manchester City just over a year ago, said yesterday that he considers the Premiership "the best league" and added that while he thinks "Hamburg is a lovely city, Newcastle is a football city". With a significant number of Newcastle fans expected not to renew their season tickets, and with senior players such as Shay Given voicing discontent, Souness and the club clearly need to start making an impact in the market. This isn't the first time that Souness has attempted to sign Van Buyten, Blackburn making contact with his club Marseille this time last year, after it became clear Manchester City were unwilling or unable to shell out the quoted £4m fee. Belgian international Van Buyten is in action this week as the Red Devils travel to Belgrade for a World Cup qualifier against Serbia & Montenegro on Saturday. He scored in his last appearance for Belgium, as San Marino were beaten 2-1 in March. Like former United defender and fellow Belgian Philippe Albert, Van Buyten began his career with Charleroi and has also played for Standard Liege.

Souey's vow to Toon kids Newcastle United boss Graeme Souness today insisted he won't be afraid to put his faith in youth next season. Souness and chairman Freddy Shepherd persuaded Peter Ramage to do a U-turn and commit his long-term future to the club last Friday after the defender had rejected the Magpies' third contract offer, fearing his chances would be limited. Ramage committed himself to another three years at St James' Park and Souness says the 21-year-old, and the club's other young prospects, will be given the chance to show what they can do next season. Souness singled out the emergence of Ramage and Steven Taylor, and the late-season form of James Milner, as positives to take from last season. "As a club you want to bring through your own youngsters and Peter Ramage has shown he can handle the Premiership," said Souness. "He came in and did a job for one or two games, though doing it consistently is very different. I'm sure he will get the chance to show what he can do." Souness added: "We had Ramage and Taylor come through this year, and it was the one bright thing to come out of a difficult season. "James Milner also showed what he could do and it's encouraging." All three will be involved next month when Newcastle kick off their Intertoto Cup campaign. Meanwhile, United today learned the other two teams they could face in the competition, with Ankaraspor taking Turkey's entry and Dubnica qualifying from Slovakia. Ankaraspor finished seventh in the Turkish league, where Souness once managed Galatasaray. Meanwhile, Dubnica are currently fourth in the Slovak league. Dubnica will take on Hungarian side Vasas later this month in the first round, with the winner facing Ankaraspor early next month in the second round. The Magpies then enter at the third-round stage, taking on the winners of that tie. UEFA will confirm all the entrants on June 6 ahead of the first round.

Killer instinct is for Toon change Brian Kilcline believes Newcastle United could have to sacrifice their traditional attacking flair if they are to end their 36-year trophy drought. "Killer" Kilcline, one of the former players taking part in the Northern Masters at Newcastle's Arena on June 12, pulled on the black and white between 1992-94. The uncompromising defender, an FA Cup winner with Coventry City in 1987, knows the Toon Army demand both success and attractive football. He said: "Last season I did a little travelling and was away for six months but Newcastle are the one team I always look for and they have supporters all over the world - especially in Asia where I was. "I was also in Portugal when they were beaten by Sporting Lisbon and they were unlucky that night. "It just was not meant to be, unlike Liverpool in the Champions League. It is an old cliche but their name was not on the trophy. "Newcastle's name has not been written about much and I feel for the supporters, who are so knowledgeable. "They know their football and are desperate to win something but the main priority is playing good football. They have been close but not rewarded. "Do they want to play good football and not win something? Or not play good football and win something? Maybe there is a happy medium. "There are a lot of purists at Newcastle and they have had a lot of good players there - but people are only judged by what they win and the players want to win something." He added: "Everyone would like to see Alan Shearer win something at Newcastle but unfortunately there are no guarantees in football." Newcastle are joined by Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Leeds in this year's Northern Masters. Kilcline, 43, hopes the black and whites can both avenge last year's derby defeat to Sunderland and progress to the grand final in September. Also in the Newcastle squad are Peter Beardsley, Ruel Fox, John Beresford, Robert Lee and Gary Kelly. Kilcine said: "I always say `ask me at the end of the tournament' when people ask how I am feeling ahead of the Masters as now a minute into a game I am feeling it. Hopefully, I will be OK - I can still see my feet! Tickets, priced £8 for adults and £8 for children, are available from mastersfootball.com and the Arena box office on (0870) 707 8000.