Sunderland host Newcastle United in the Premier League on December 14th.

Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer has nervily looked ahead to this month’s Wear-Tyne Derby against Sunderland, claiming that “with any luck” the Black Cats’ squad will be ravaged by the African Cup of Nations before the two sides meet at the Stadium of Light.

Regis Le Bris’ men host their bitter local rivals on December 14th, and will be hoping that they are able to call upon a raft of key first team squad members who are scheduled to jet off for the international tournament around that time.

And for his part, having watched Sunderland retain a place in the top six of the Premier League after battling back from two goals down to beat Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, Shearer has cheekily hinted that he would welcome any kind of disruption to boost his beloved Magpies’ chances on Wearside.

What was said about Sunderland’s dramatic comeback win vs Bournemouth?

In the latest episode of The Rest is Football, Shearer discussed the Black Cats’ stunning victory over the weekend with fellow pundits Gary Lineker and Micah Richards. Addressing the performance, Lineker said: “What are they [Sunderland] doing? I mean, unbelievable again, really, wasn't it? I mean, 2-0 down and then to come back and win. Incredible, sixth in the table in the Premier League. I mean, it's not five games in, are we?”

Shearer responded: “No, it's amazing. The derby game is in two weeks' time... Two weeks' time at Sunderland, yeah. I'm not sure yet whether they've had any clearance, whether they can keep hold of all their players before going to the African Cup of Nations. With a bit of luck, the six or seven will have to be called up and leave before the derby. I suspect they might get leave and then play in the game and then be able to go over there. But, yeah, two weeks' time.”

He added: “Did you hear... I was watching that game, Sunderland, on TV and I was thinking, the crowd, when Sunderland got their first goal to make it 2-1, the crowd, the way they roared them on was unbelievable.”

Lineker replied: “Well, when they used to play at Roker Park, they used to say the Roker Roar. Do you remember that? Do the audience remember that? I played at Roker Park. Amazing atmosphere. Stadium of Light, it seems to be similar, but they're doing so brilliantly, Micah.”

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Richards then weighed in, answering: “Excellent. I know we've talked about him, but [Granit] Xhaka. Have you seen Xhaka’s pass? The way he looked like he was going one way and then reversed it, and then it was [Bertrand] Traore who put it away, wasn't it? They've got different ways of playing. They can press, but they can drop off into a low block if need be, but they also can play in midfield with legs, and then they've got people off the bench that can make a difference.

“I mean, it's strange to see a team that's just come up doing so well, but deservingly, and just when you think they're out, they just come back and come back and come back again. This, what they're doing this season, is nothing short of sensational. I really hope they can carry it on, because what a story it would be.”

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Shearer interjected: “Do you really? Do you really, really, really hope they can carry it on, do you?”, to which Richards responded: “No, because yes, I do. It would be great for the league, because no-one expected it. It would be great for the league.”

Lineker backed up the ex-Manchester City defender, chiming in: “It would be great. I totally agree. Come on, Al, it would be great for football in this country. Come on now, wouldn't it?”

Tongue-in-cheek, Shearer quipped: “Yeah, it would be bloody amazing... Yeah, fantastic. But what I will say is, for the manager to bring that many new players in and then get them all to work together and understand what he wants and how he wants to play and do all that... he deserves great credit for the shape that he's got and for the intensity and for the understanding that they've all got, with so many coming together.”

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