ALAN SHEARER last night insisted Newcastle's resurgence under Bobby Robson has breathed new life into a Premiership that was dying on its feet after years of domination by Manchester United.

Newcastle skipper Shearer believes the next two months will provide the acid test of his table-topping side's title mettle.

But, for the time being at least, the Magpies' haul of 19 points from seven games ahead of today's home clash with Chelsea, has blown the championship race wide open.

Shearer said: "I think it's great for football. It has been the most vibrant, exciting half-season for a long time and I'm sure it will stay that way.

"People are saying that if Manchester United, Leeds, Liverpool or Arsenal don't win the title, they would like Newcastle to do it.

"That's nice, but it doesn't mean anything. What is good is that there are so many clubs in with a chance.

"Alex Ferguson always says 'let's see who's challenging in March' and he's right.

"December was a big month for us and we have another two big months coming up.''

Newcastle have strung together five League wins and Shearer added: "Any team that puts together a run of eight or ten games will be near the top and we are trying to do that.

"But you won't get anybody here talking about titles. I'm looking at games in January (against Manchester United and Leeds) and they are extremely tough. If we can get to the end of that month still in the top three, then a Champions' League place has to be a realistic target.

"Our aim before the season started was to get into the UEFA Cup, but we can look higher than that if we stay up there."

At 31, and with a catalogue of career-threatening injuries behind him, Shearer accepts he may no longer have the pace to trouble top-line defenders.

But he is happy to leave the legwork to fast movers like Kieron Dyer, Craig Bellamy, Olivier Bernard, Laurent Robert and Lomana LuaLua.

"I have never been in a side with so many quick players," admitted Shearer. "There is pace wherever you look up front - apart from myself, that is!

"It must be frightening for defenders because they don't like pace and we have a lot of it.

"It doesn't cause problems for me, they just leave me behind. In fact, I thoroughly enjoy watching them run past!

"But it must be soul-destroying for our opponents. When I first came here we had great players like Les Ferdinand, Tino Asprilla and Peter Beardsley. I don't think we yet have as good a team or squad as that one.

"But we are not far off and we are making greater strides than anybody expected.''

Newcastle have a few scores to settle with Chelsea, who ended their FA Cup dream in the semi-finals two seasons ago and knocked them out of the Worthington Cup this month.

The Blues also boast an unbeaten run of nine games in all competitions against the Magpies stretching back four seasons.

Shearer admitted: "We were bitterly disappointed to go out in the Worthington, but it may turn out a blessing in disguise.

"When I was with Blackburn, we were knocked out of the FA Cup, League Cup and the UEFA Cup in the year we won the title.

"But we expect it to be very tough against Chelsea.''

Dutch striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's last-gasp goal separated the sides in the Worthington tie at Stamford Bridge.

And Shearer said: "In Hasselbaink, they have a top-drawer striker who puts away chances, and it says something when they have done so well without Marcel Desailly at the back.

"We know we can't go on for ever and somebody is waiting to knock us off our perch.

"But hopefully we can keep this run going."

Newcastle boss Robson believes that birthday boy Dyer, 23 today, can be the catalyst for victory.

Robson said: "Considering he has been out for ten months, he has been exceptional. I don't like the word revenge, but Chelsea have been a bugbear for us.

"There are probably six teams who can win the title and Chelsea are one of them.

"Our pitch is the worst in the Premiership at the moment and I hope that does not rebound on us."

Robson, meanwhile, has urged fans to be patient with £10m French winger Robert, whose form has dipped following an impressive start.

"We need Laurent to do more for us, especially on the defensive side," conceded Robson.

"But we are trying to encourage him because we know what a big talent he is. He has a beautiful left foot and he is great going forward.

"Don't forget he is a foreigner in his first season adjusting to the Premiership, and it's going to take time."

Greek defender Nikos Dabizas, back in the squad following a leg injury, is expected to return today.

But Newcastle have been impressed by on-loan centre-back Sylvain Distin, who was immaculate in the 3-0 win at home to Middlesbrough on Boxing Day.

And, as revealed in Northern Echo Sport a month ago, Robson plans to sign the £3.5m Frenchman from Paris St Germain

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