Shearer back for Magpies

Newcastle United's Alan Shearer returns to Champions League action against Bayer Leverkusen this week hoping lessons learned in his absence can help remove one of the few blemishes on his scoring record.

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During his glittering career, Shearer has still not managed to score from open play in the Champions League, his two goals coming from the penalty spot for former club Blackburn Rovers and for Newcastle in their defeat of Dynamo Kiev in November.

Newcastle's captain missed the 3-1 defeat away to Barcelona in December and last week's visit to Leverkusen after being sent off for elbowing Inter Milan's Fabio Cannavaro but is now raring to go as United prepare for Wednesday's Group A match.

"It would be great to improve my goalscoring record in the Champions League but that alone does not motivate me," Shearer told reporters on Tuesday. "What motivates me is trying to get into the next phase and trying to get a victory to set us up for the Milan game (at the San Siro on March 11). It will be great if I can do that and score some goals as well."

With his suspension now complete, the 32-year-old striker will spearhead Newcastle's cause when they seek their second successive win over the Bundesliga side at St James' Park. "It wasn't particularly nice missing two huge games," Shearer added. "I had to sit tight and watch the games on the television and hopefully I have learned something from that.

"It will certainly be great to be back in action, particularly with the way things have gone for us. The whole squad is buzzing," he added. "The standard from all the players has been very high and everyone has been going well. I just hope we can keep it up."

Newcastle are third in the group with three points behind leaders Barcelona, who have a maximum nine points, and Inter who have six. Leverkusen have suffered three successive defeats.

Shearer is likely to be partnered up front by Shola Ameobi, whose two goals paved the way for last week's 3-1 victory over Leverkusen. "Shola is improving all the time," Shearer said. "He's big and strong and the good thing about him is that he wants to learn all the time, he wants to get better. His performances suggest he is adding goals to his game.

Leverkusen caretaker coach Thomas Hoerster paid tribute to Shearer, telling reporters: "I'd be delighted to have a player in my squad of that determination and skill."