Premiership title chasers Newcastle United are bringing a multi-million pound line-up to lowly Bishop Auckland FC next week as a favour to a former player.

While Shearer, Bellamy and co carry the hopes of Magpies fans to glamorous grounds like Old Trafford and the Stadium of Light, their reserves will play a whole new ball game between clubs which are leagues apart.

The Bishops' historic Kingsway terraces are due to be bulldozed after this season and new manager Alan Shoulder wanted to stage one last big match before his side bow out with a gala weekend at the end of April.

Alan called on his old friend Tommy Craig to bring United's reserves for a game which should raise enough money to keep the Bishops' going until the season closes.

Both men played for Newcastle, although not at the same time, and teamed up at Carlisle back in 1983.

Some of Newcastle's exciting young talent will use their visit this Thursday to Kingsway to get match fit.

Carl Cort is likely to continue his fight back from a crippling knee ligament injury by playing at least some of the game.

England Under 21 Shola Ameobi, £2.5m striker Lua Lua and England Under 19 Michael Chopra, from Crook, are in the probable squad named by Tommy yesterday.

The match will revive memories of Newcastle's title rivals Manchester United's game at Kingsway in 1996, which was arranged by The Northern Echo.

The Bishops were only days from folding in 1996 when the superclub sent a star-studded side to Kingsway for a similar friendly fundraiser.

Alan Shoulder said last night: "Some of the Newcastle players could be turning out for the first team against Sunderland a few days after the game with us.

"There are plenty of leagues between us. They are flying and we're trying to keep above the relegation zone in the Unibond League.

"They are only too happy to take the opportunity for some match practice and we should get a good crowd to keep us going until the end of the season."

The game starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5, children with adults £1.