Kevin Keegan has admitted he is still keen to find a role for Alan Shearer at Newcastle.

The former Magpies striker was linked with the assistant manager's position at St James' Park following Keegan's appointment last month.

Coach Nigel Pearson has since left the club, but Shearer is still unwilling to come in as Keegan's right-hand man due to his television commitments.

Shearer has agreed to take the occasional coaching session and Keegan is glad to have him helping out on the training ground.

"I've left the door wide open because I respect Alan and know what he would bring to the party," said the Newcastle manager.

"He can't come in as No 2 because of his commitments but what we have agreed is that he is going to come in training with us to start off with and then he will review the situation when those commitments are no longer in place."

Keegan remains confident Shearer will decide to take a full-time role when he becomes available.

"It's up to Alan and me to come up with the right solution for him coming in here," Keegan explained.

"He's now got a bit of time to think about it and he will think about it deeply.

"I've definitely not given up on it and Alan's not said anything to my knowledge that suggests he doesn't want it. I think deep down he does."