Last-chance saloon

The former England captain has only one Premiership winners medal - from his time at Blackburn - to show for a goal-laden career, and with retirement beckoning, the game against Mourinho's side is must-win affair.

"There's no point pulling the wool over anyone's eyes. We've got a very, very tough game down there," said Shearer. "We are up against it but we've got to go down there and give it a right good go because this is our last chance of silverware.

"There haven't been too many shocks in the FA Cup this season and, if we were to win there, it would be regarded as a shock."

Managerless Newcastle have managed six FA Cup wins, but have endured 37 trophyless years since claiming the Fairs Cup in 1969.

Under the makeshift coaching duo of Shearer and former defender Glenn Roeder, the north-east club have shown improved form, but their legendary striker remains guarded about ending the club's barren run.

"Sometimes you don't always get what you deserve," said Shearer. "I'm not saying I deserve anything. You've just got to work hard and then see what you get out of it, and we'll see what happens at Stamford Bridge.

"People keep saying this season's FA Cup is my last chance of winning silverware for Newcastle but forget about that. It doesn't mean anything to me personally, I won't feel any different when I'm getting ready for this game.

"It's the club's last chance of silverware this year, not mine individually. It's a team game."

Reds in seventh heaven