TITUS Bramble paid tribute to Alan Shearer ahead of his big send off - and described the task of replacing the number nine as "impossible".

Bramble, who netted the winner against Chelsea on Sunday to book a place in the Intertoto Cup next season, is looking forward to the clash with Celtic where a sell-out crowd will say farewell to the Geordie legend.

Bramble said: "I have been here for four years, and it has been an absolute pleasure to play alongside Alan Shearer.

"He has been a handful for every defender he has played against - I've just been happy that he has been on my side because that has to be better than playing against him!

"I think it will be an impossible job to replace him, to be honest.

"I think we would be happy to get someone who could score half as many goals for the club as Alan has."

Titus added: "We're all looking forward to the testimonial game, I'm certain it will be a tremendous atmosphere and a fantastic evening."

All the highlights to follow on Newcastle World TV