Alan Shearer has claimed that Newcastle United could qualify for the Champions League by finishing fourth in the Premier League this season.

The Magpies have been the season's surprise package and find themselves firmly in the race for the top four.

Former Newcastle skipper Shearer does admit that he is surprised by the quality produced by Alan Pardew's men.

"I was thinking maybe they will end up in sixth or seventh place but the more I see of them then it makes me think I can't be certain where they will be come May," he told Goal.com.

"I will be keeping my fingers crossed on that one. Top four? Well why not. They have got nothing to lose, have they? No one gave them a prayer of actually getting there and everyone thought they would fall away after that unbeaten start to the season."

Pardew's side are currently fourth in the Premier League.