Some fans had been hoping for a “dream team” of Keegan and Shearer but Lineker feels his 'Match of the Day' colleague would not be interested on such terms.

“I can’t see Alan as a number two,” Lineker said. “It was mooted he was interested in the job, I’d be very surprised if he went along on those terms.”

Speaking on 'BBC News 24', Lineker added: “I think it’s an extraordinary appointment, quite an exciting one as well. They tend to appoint from the heart in the north-east and it seems they’ve done it again.

“One thing you know about Keegan is he’s very good at getting what he wants, making boards listen and react in terms of the investment and the people he wants to bring in.

“He’s hugely popular of course, almost won the league title and I think the fans would all ’love it’ if they pulled it off this time.

“It’s going to take him time because the side is not the strongest at the moment, they have the nucleus of something but they are certainly a long way short of the side he left at Newcastle.”