"This year’s draw, going back to Lisbon in the quarter-finals to play Benfica, brought all those memories back. Ahead of that game against Sporting, I really thought that was our best chance of winning silverware for this club.
“When you look at the teams that were left in the competition, there was no one who really stood out so I have to say, that was a great opportunity missed.
“I would love Newcastle to be successful, I’d clear my diary to make sure I was there as a fan if they reached the final. I’d love it as much as my little lad, Will, would because he comes to all the games at St James’ Park.
“He's just like me - Newcastle daft as well. I can think of nothing better than taking him to Amsterdam, sitting with the fans so he could enjoy it and sample it and realise just what a mad city this is for football.
"No-one knows more than me what it would mean if this club could finally get some silverware. It would give the city and the surrounding areas a huge lift and huge boost. It would send it bonkers, it really would - so we're all hoping."
That final in the Dutch capital remains a long way off. It will not be any easier for the current Newcastle side to enjoy a successful night in Lisbon. They will have knockout a Benfica team that has dominated the
Portuguese League this season and has dropped into the competition after finishing third in their Champions League group.
“Fortunately, they've got the home leg second this time which is a big bonus,” added Shearer.
“If they can come back with a decent result, then there will be a full house at St James' Park and that is bound to help. If I remember rightly, we had the first leg here and the second leg in Portugal.
“The additions made in January have made all the difference and these days, I expect them to win most game they play. If they can steer clear of any more injuries, then they definitely have a chance.”
Successive away defeats at Wigan and Manchester City mean Newcastle have slipped back to fifth from bottom of the Premier League, but Shearer does not believe Europe is an unwanted distraction.
“I have no worries about Newcastle being relegated,” he said. “I did before they signed all those players in January. Up until then, it was going to be a long, hard season but now that the squad's been strengthened - and not just strengthened but extra quality has been brought in.”
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