Scan results on Thursday will determine whether or not Newcastle striker Alan Shearer's playing career is over. The 35-year-old suffered suspected knee ligament damage during his side's come-from-behind 4-1 victory over derby rivals Sunderland yesterday.

Shearer fears it may end of his career and said: "It doesn't look good. They think there might be a tear in the medial ligament, and if that is the case then that will be it for me I'm afraid. I will have a scan on Thursday and see how bad it is."

Shearer is desperate to be involved in Newcastle's final three league games of the season as his side push for a place in next season's Uefa Cup.

"I will be bitterly disappointed if it is (the end) because there are three huge games left for us," he said. "I gather we are sitting in seventh now, which might get us into Europe and after what has been a tough season that would be a great achievement for everyone.

"I will just have to wait and see what the scan says. I will give it a couple of days to settle down and get one on Thursday. I'll see what it says, but it's a bit sore at the moment."

Caretaker boss Glenn Roeder admits there are real fears over Shearer's participation again before the end of his final season.

"I will remain positive there is a chance we will still get him back on the pitch, maybe in the very last game of the season. If we don't, I suppose his memory of scoring then what would be his last goal would be a very, very happy one for different reasons."