The 38-year-old led his hometown club into battle with Fulham at St James' Park on Saturday hoping victory and results elsewhere would effectively secure their Premier League status.

Shearer admitted earlier in his reign that survival would represent arguably his biggest achievement in football.

But whatever happens over the next week or so, there is a growing groundswell in favour of the former Magpies skipper taking charge on a permanent basis.

He has repeatedly declined to talk about his future after insisting on his arrival he would remain at the helm for just the final eight games of this season.

However, he freely admits he is enjoying the experience and the feeling that he could be ready to take the plunge has been growing for several weeks.

Asked if he is missing his Match of The Day television role, Shearer said: "No, I'm not missing it at all.

"I am thoroughly enjoying this. I have said every week that, despite not winning, I have enjoyed it.

"But you enjoy it a hell of a lot more when the results go your way, like Monday against Middlesbrough.

"Now I will be looking for that again.

"I have not had any free time at all in the past few weeks, but I didn't expect any.

"I have no complaints and have enjoyed it - if we continue to get results, I will enjoy it even more."

Joe Kinnear, who was drafted in as interim boss in the wake of Kevin Keegan's departure in September, is due to return next season after recovering from heart surgery, but owner Mike Ashley could now face a major decision on how best to take the club forward.

Meanwhile, claims that midfielder Joey Barton could yet have a future on Tyneside have been played down.

Reports today suggested the 26-year-old, who has been banned from the training ground until further notice amid the fallout over his sending-off at Liverpool, had been encouraged by a meeting with managing director Derek Llambias yesterday.

However, it is understood that there is little appetite within the club to retain his services, and that they will listen to offers for the player with a view to offloading him during the close-season.

Asked if there had been any change in Barton's situation at his pre-match press conference yesterday, Shearer simply said: "No."