Kevin Keegan has tipped skipper Alan Shearer to become an England coach of the future.

Shearer has said he will not be going back on his decision to retire from international football at the age of 29, having gained 63 caps and scored 30 goals for his country.

Shearer will now concentrate on life in the Premiership with Newcastle United, where he is being groomed to succeed Bobby Robson as manager. He has also stated his intention to spend more time with his country.

And Keegan, the man who bought the former Blackburn star to Newcastle for £15 million, believes that his now ex captain has what it takes to become England supremo.

He said: 'I don't think it would be a surprise to anyone if Alan Shearer ends up being where I am England manager. He has all the qualities.

'It is a long way down the line but he shares similar dreams to most of us who really care about our country.

'There are many decisions he will have to make along the line. He may decide having tried management that he doesn't like it. There are a lot of things that can change your mind.

'There is no point at this stage asking Alan to join the coaching staff because the idea of his packing in playing is that he wants to spend more time with his family.'

Shearer admitted: 'Football is all that I know and I would like to stay in the game in some capacity but, as regards England, I am now lying when I say I haven't thought about that.

'It's not on my agenda now. What is on the agenda is for me to keep playing as long as I can at the highest level in the Premier League but I would like to stay in the game.'