EVERTON could throw Newcastle United striker Kevin Gallacher a Premiership lifeline.

The 34-year-old Scottish international is out of contract at the end of the season and looking for another year at St. James' Park.

He strengthened his case by opening the scoring in Tuesday's dismal 1-1 draw with Southampton at St. James' Park.

Gallacher was Bobby Robson's first signing for Newcastle in October 1999 when he moved from Blackburn Rovers in a £500,000 deal.

Manager Robson labelled Gallacher's whole-hearted display this week as "absolutely brilliant'' but refused to discuss his chances of winning a new deal.

And uncertainty over his future has prompted interest from Everton's Scottish boss Walter Smith.

Smith knows Gallacher would be available on a free transfer and could prove a useful squad player.

Meanwhile, Alan Shearer has refused to accept he may be forced to quit football following a final make-or-break operation on his damaged knee.

And Robson denies United are investigating the insurance situation should 30-year-old Shearer never play again.

"That has never entered my thinking," insisted Robson yesterday. "All I am thinking about is Alan's rehabilitation."

Shearer underwent a second operation on his troublesome left knee on Wednesday. The surgery was performed by renowned specialist Dr Richard Steadman at his clinic in Vail, Colorado.

Former England skipper Shearer is aware he won't be able to have further surgery on the tendinitis problem which has plagued him for over a year, but he declared: "I have no negative thoughts.

"I have every confidence in Dr Steadman and he has given me the assurances I need.

"I feel optimistic that everything will be all right.

"I hope to return next week with the job done and look forward to playing again."

Shearer is expected to remain in the United States for a further week before flying back to Tyneside for four months of rehabilitation.

The talismanic striker has set his sights on a return to action before September 1.

And, with his career at stake, Newcastle have no intention of rushing him back. A club spokesman confirmed: "His recovery will take as long as necessary in order to give him the best possible chance to regain full fitness."

l Newcastle could be tempted to make a move for fans' favourite Pavel Srnicek if keeper Steve Harper fails to agree a new deal.

Czech international Srnicek, 33, is available on a free transfer from Italian side Brescia, and his agent has sounded out the Magpies about the possibility of a return.

Srnicek quit Tyneside three years ago after falling out with then-boss Kenny Dalglish.

Harper is stalling on a contract extension and Newcastle are keeping their options open, with Charlton's former Carlisle keeper Tony Caig a potential target.

Ironically, Harper is in line for a Premiership return at Liverpool tomorrow in what would be his first League appearance since the home win over Coventry on January 13.

First-choice keeper Shay Given is a major doubt after breaking his nose, spraining a wrist and suffering concussion in a collision with Southampton striker Kevin Davies.