ALAN SHEARER has hailed Newcastle boss Bobby Robson for the part he has played in keeping Kieron Dyer's World Cup hopes alive.

Dyer was due to fly out today to join the rest of the England squad in Dubai with a view to then travelling with them to Korea tomorrow to prove his fitness after making remarkable progress following his knee injury.

The injury was caused after a nasty mistimed tackle by Southampton's Tahar El Khaej during the club's final match of the season at St Mary's last week.

Shearer said: "Bobby begged Sven-Goran Eriksson to give Kieron a chance after seeing all the work the player has been putting in at Newcastle to get fit again.

"It is another example of Bobby's management skill. He has played a blinder for Kieron, no doubt about it.

But Bobby is that kind of bloke.

"Every player at Newcastle knows what he does for us so it doesn't surprise me that he rang Sven and told him the situation straight.

"Bobby kept his eye on Kieron's progress and when he saw things in the media he decided to act.

"It doesn't surprise me that Sven listened to him because Bobby is so high-ly respected in the game."

Dyer has already been buoyed by signing a new four-year deal with the Magpies and Shearer is convinced the 23-year-old would be a big hit in Japan and South Korea if fit.

"He has worked hard to battle back from previous injuries this season and deserves his chance on the World Cup stage - if he can prove his fitness," said Shearer.

"I have spoken to Kieron this week and he is definitely feeling better than he did.

"I know he could fill that left-sided role superbly for England. He has already done it successfully for Newcastle.

"People will say 'Yes, but that was only at club level' and I know it remains to be seen that he can do it in a World Cup.

"But I have no doubt he can, because he is a match-winner.

"Kieron can change a game in a second - and he will do the same for England, be it next month or next year."