ALAN SHEARER launches his comeback for Newcastle United today with his sights firmly fixed on derby revenge against Sunderland.

The Magpies' skipper lines up alongside strike partner Carl Cort in a full-scale practice match, 11 days before the Tyne-Wear clash at St. James' Park.

Shearer hasn't kicked a ball in anger for more than five months since suffering a recurrence of tendinitis in his left knee in the 1-1 draw at Everton.

The breakdown necessitated a second operation in the space of five months and Shearer, who was 31 on Monday, is desperate to come through today's behind-closed-doors test and pick up a belated birthday bonus.

If the former England captain emerges unscathed, he can step up his bid to make a momentous return against Sunderland.

Shearer is anxious to erase the bitter memory of successive 2-1 home defeats by United's fiercest rivals in the last two seasons.

He was dropped to the substitutes' bench at the height of his feud with former manager Ruud Gullit two years ago, and last season had further humiliation heaped upon him when Sunderland goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen saved his penalty.

Cort has also been sidelined since sustaining an ankle injury in an end-of-season game at Exeter, and will be given a run-out today after manager Bobby Robson decided against risking him in Robert Lee's testimonial last Saturday.

But midfielder Gary Speed, who withdrew from the 1-0 defeat by Athletic Bilbao with a hamstring injury, won't figure today as United wrap the Welshman in cotton wool in the hope that he will be fit for Sunday's Premiership opener at Chelsea.

Speed said: "Hopefully the fact that the game is on Sunday will prove crucial - that extra 24 hours might make the difference.

"But I've never had a hamstring injury before, so it's a bit difficult for me to gauge exactly how bad it is.''

Robson, however, has received better news about England Under-21 striker Shola Ameobi, whose groin problem has responded to treatment.

* Feyenoord are planning a bid for third-choice Newcastle keeper John Karelse. The Dutchman, signed by Ruud Gullit from NAC Breda for £750,000 two years ago, would welcome a return home.

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