Football story by Boris Webb, Tue, 21 Feb 2006 13:48:00 GMT


LONDON - Alan Shearer's dream of finishing his career at Newcastle United with a win in the FA Cup received a serious jolt as the Magpies drew Chelsea in the quarterfinals of the competition to be played later next month. It is no secret that Shearer wants to end on a high note and has previously said that the FA Cup remains the only silverware that could realistically come to St James' Park.

It may be recalled that the Magpies had humbled Chelsea 1-0 in the fifth round of the FA Cup last year, but Jose Mourinho's side are in the midst of a purple patch this year and it will not be easy to dislodge them at Stamford Bridge.

But former Blue and currently Newcastle midfielder Scott Parker said that the team wanted to give Shearer a fitting farewell, "When you get to the quarterfinals you are down to the nitty gritty, and if you are going to win the FA Cup then you have to beat the best teams around. It'll be a special game for me because I had a lot of happy times down there," Parker told the Toon website.

"Chelsea are a quality side, they have strength in depth all over the pitch and it will be a massive test. But we won't be afraid of going there, because we have a lot of quality as well." In other ties, Liverpool take on Birmingham, while Charlton face-off with Middlesbrough. The last quarterfinal is yet to be decided since Aston Villa or Manchester City will square off against Bolton or West Ham.

Rafa Benitez is hoping that Birmingham are worried more about relegation than the quarterfinal. Liverpool have not beaten the Blues since Benitez came to Anfield in 2004, "Maybe Birmingham will be more concerned about their league position and this might not be as important to them as staying in the division," the Reds boss said. "I feel I've got a big enough squad to cope with playing in three competitions and all I can say is that I'd have rather been drawn at home." The matches are slated to take place from March 20-23.

The draw:

Charlton v Middlesbrough
Aston Villa or Manchester City v Bolton or West Ham
Chelsea v Newcastle United
Birmingham v Liverpool

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