Alan Shearer has delivered his verdict on Newcastle United being drawn against Blackburn Rovers in the third round of the FA Cup, saying it is ‘great’ to see two of his former sides meet.
The Magpies have been drawn at home against Championship promotion contenders Blackburn, who are enjoying a stellar season under the watchful eye of Tony Mowbray.
Shearer enjoyed a highly successful four years at Blackburn before sealing a dream move to hometown club Newcastle in 1996, and has now delivered his verdict on the draw on Twitter.
A great @EmiratesFACup draw with my two former sides meeting! @NUFC @Rovers #FACupDraw @BBCMOTD
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) December 3, 2018
OPINION
It is no surprise that Shearer is excited about the prospect of seeing his two former sides meet in the FA Cup. The Newcastle legend really made his name with Rovers before sealing that dream move back home, and obviously holds both clubs close to his heart. In footballing terms this will be a tough test for the Magpies, with Blackburn playing extremely well upon their return to the Championship this season. Tony Mowbray has really steadied the ship at Ewood Park and turned Rovers into potential promotion contenders in the second tier, with the club currently sitting in tenth, just five points off the play-off spots. Newcastle have already exited the Carabao Cup to a Championship side this season with a 3-1 loss to Nottingham Forest, and that is a very real possibility against Blackburn if they do not turn up. In truth, an exit would not be the worst outcome for Rafa Benitez, who will be focusing efforts on Premier League survival.
