A statue of Newcastle United's record goalscorer Alan Shearer will be unveiled at St James' Park on Monday afternoon.

Designed by Northumberland artist Tom Maley, the statue depicts the Magpies legend's famous goal celebration and has been funded by former club chairman Freddy Shepherd.

Standing at 9ft 6ins (2.89m) tall, the statue stands at the South West corner of the stadium close to Barrack Road.

Gosforth-born Shearer joined his hometown club for a then-world record fee from Blackburn Rovers in 1996 and scored 206 goals in ten years on Tyneside.

The unveiling ceremony will be attended by Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley and Fairs Cup-winning captain Bob Moncur, while manager Rafa Benitez has provided a special message from the Club's training base ahead of tomorrow's match against QPR in London.

"Unfortunately I am not able to be there at today's ceremony because of our training schedule, but I know it will be a very special occasion for Alan, for the fans, the club and everyone in the city," said Benitez.

"Alan was an incredible player, the perfect number nine, and he had a fantastic career representing this great Club. He is also a great ambassador for Newcastle with the charity work he does to support the people of the city.

"The statue of him at St James' Park is a perfect tribute to a true club legend and I send Alan my very best wishes for a memorable day."