Newcastle hitman Alan Shearer has vowed to return from injury to gun down Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby on August 26.

The former England skipper has pencilled in the date for his return after coming through a private practice match unscathed.

But Carl Cort limped out of the same match at St James' Park with an ankle ligament injury.

Shearer, 31, who has had two operations in a bid to cure tendinitis in his knee, is desperate to be fit in time to face the Black Cats.

He said: "I am a bit stiff at the moment but considering it's my first 90 minutes that is to be expected.

"I won't be involved against Chelsea on Sunday or the Intertoto Cup game on Tuesday.

"But there is a chance, maybe 50-50, that I can play some part in the following game against Sunderland."

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