[kennethlindheim]

Newcastle captain Alan Shearer will lead a Magpies XI in his testimonial match against Scottish club Celtic on May 11.

Shearer, 35, has been at Newcastle since July 1996. He plans to retire at the end of this season.

"I've lived my boyhood dream, I've played in front of the most loyal fans in the world, captained my country, played for the home team I supported as a boy and broken the goalscoring record of an absolute Tyneside legend,'' Shearer said Wednesday.

"Now I have my final opportunity to say farewell to the fans who have supported me so well throughout my career.''

Shearer is Newcastle's captain and record goalscorer after beating Jackie Milburn's record of 200 goals earlier this month.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd said Shearer was "the epitome of all that is good about this terrific game.''

"His loyalty, commitment and total dedication over the years has provided, and continues to provide, football supporters with superb entertainment,'' he said.

Testimonials are exhibition matches to mark a player's 10 years at a club.

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