ADMIRING Sir Bobby Robson will be warning his players to keep a close eye on the 'new Alan Shearer' when Newcastle United visit Everton tomorrow.

The Magpies need to claim three points from the trip to Goodison Park if they are to maintain their hopes of lifting the Premiership title.

But manager Robson believes his defence will have to keep England's latest teenage sensation, Wayne Rooney, quiet if the Tyneside outfit's wish is to be granted.

And the Newcastle boss, who witnessed Rooney's scintillating debut against Turkey at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday, has tipped him to become as good as his skipper Shearer.

Both players are likely to be on opposite sides on Merseyside tomorrow and Robson admits it is a mouthwatering prospect.

"It's the master and the apprentice, isn't it? And it's a great story," he said. "It's not the old and the new it's what has been and still is because Shearer could have played on Wednesday as well.

"But Rooney would appear to be the new Alan Shearer. That will get a lot of publicity.

"I see similarities now. Alan was always good with his back to goal and the lad can do that. The art of leading the line was to do that.

"Alan has been an example to everyone. He's good at the far post, good at holding the ball up and good at getting into the box.

"Rooney is just starting, but he is equipped with the same values. We'll have to look after him on Sunday."

But Robson, who handed a young Paul Gascoigne his international debut when in charge of England more than a decade ago, warned Everton boss David Moyes to temper his progress.

However, the Newcastle chief admits he has been impressed so far by the way Moyes has handled Rooney, who has lit the Premiership up this season with a string of wonder-goals.

"I have to say the boy did fine and looked very accomplished for 17 against Turkey," said Robson, who is likely to replace doubtful Craig Bellamy with Shola Ameobi against the Toffees.

"A remarkable performance of strength and skill. He applied himself very nicely and he got a wonderful ovation when he came off. To play like that at 17 is marvellous, he's a star.

"He was excellent. He played with his back to goal and on the turn as well. He needs protection and guidance, but I'm sure David Moyes and Everton understand that.

"He needs careful nursing and management. David Moyes is capable of that. He'll have to play and leave him out and that's what he's been doing. They've got a star on their hands, there is no doubt about that."

But Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given is urging his teammates not to get caught up in Rooney-mania.

Given knows the youngster is an exceptional talent, but the Irishman believes Everton are not pushing for a Champions League place just because of the front-man.

He said: "Everton are not a one-man band by any means. Wayne Rooney has only started a handful of games this season and they are in the top six. That tells its own story.

"He is an amazing talent, but they have had some great results without him. There is always a danger that we will focus so much on Wayne Rooney that someone else will do the damage.

"I think we know we have to concentrate on the whole team, not just individuals.

"That is the thing about football, it is never about an individual. It is about the team and Everton have superb team spirit and work ever so hard for each other. That is just as much a threat as Wayne Rooney."

Newcastle's match at Everton is followed by a crucial match-up with Manchester United at St James' Park next Saturday.

But Given believes the Premiership crown is already destined for champions Arsenal again.

"I still don't think we're going to win it," he said. "Arsenal are out of Europe and look like the team who are going to win the League. They have that little cushion over us and that should be enough for them.

"But we've got seven games left and if we win all those then who knows. We're looking at every game and thinking we can get points from every one of them."

Teammate Nolberto Solano disagrees and the Peruvian believes maximum points from the next two fixtures could have a massive impact on the title race.

Solano said: "These are the two most important of the season. We are thinking of the title why not? We need to win both games to stay in the hunt. We have to be there if Arsenal or Man United slip up. There are six games left and we are really going to push for it. We are ready to win something."