While Glenn Hoddle needs a result to damn the growing criticism of his manner and methods Shearer

While Glenn Hoddle needs a result to damn the growing criticism of his manner and methods Shearer needs a goal, or at least a dynamic performance, to silence the whispers about his place.His captaincy is challenged by Tony Adams' assertion that he should be skipper. John Monie has Robbie McCormack back after concussion and brings in Terry O'Connor in place of Neil Cowie.. THE LAST time Alan Shearer was in Stockholm he narrowly avoided being the fall guy in Graham Taylor's most infamous substitution. With England losing 2-1 to Sweden and about to miss out on a place in the semi-finals of the 1992 European Championships, Shearer was told to warm up only for Alan Smith to be sent on instead. The takeover would bring in the investment needed to find a new ground and strengthen the team.Wigan have been told by police to kick-off their game against Hull on Sunday at 1pm because of damage done by Hull fans the last time they were visitors. Doyle joined Warrington from Western Suburbs hoping to win a long-term contract, but has struggled for form and fitness.Warrington will celebrate 100 years of playing at Wilderspool on Sunday with a projected takeover by a consortium of businessmen apparently closer by the day.

Blackmore is still missing with a groin injury, but Fleary replaces Masella at prop and Adrian Morley is back in the starting line- up. Saints have Damien Smith back, but Tommy Martyn is still missing.Warrington have released their Australian stand-off, Adam Doyle, who is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. But Powell, despite being 33, has established himself as a first-team regular in recent weeks and Leeds will be reluctant to let him go.Leeds can draw level with Wigan at the top of Super League again if they beat St Helens. But if Blackmore is re-signed as well as Mathiou, Leeds' overseas contingent will be complete, effectively preventing Wendell Sailor from playing for them when he comes to Headingley to join Leeds Rugby Union next month. Brad Godden, Marc Glanville and Martin Masella, who is rested for the Saints game, are already under contract for next year. The re-signing of Fleary and St Hilaire, two of Leeds' major successes this season, assures the future of two of their best young players, but Leeds are also keen to retain their veteran stand-off, Daryl Powell, who is a target for the Super League newcomers at Gateshead.Powell was Sheffield Eagles' first signing when Gateshead's founder, Kath Hetherington, and her husband, Gary - now Leeds' chief executive - launched the club 14 years ago. Even in the twilight of his career, Powell could be the man to give them the on-field direction they will need in their formative months. Kemp, who misses this match through suspension, is exempt from the international quota after three years' residence.

When he plays well, others around him also tend to excel themselves.. LEEDS ARE close to re-signing their entire first team squad for next season, with only Paul Sterling and Richie Blackmore remaining to agree new contracts. The second-placed club in Super League, who play St Helens at Headingley tonight, have this week negotiated new deals with Tony Kemp, Jamie Mathiou, Marcus St Hilaire and Darren Fleary, writes Dave Hadfield. His 33 tries so far this season are by far the biggest return in any division and his natural strength makes him fiendishly difficult to stop near the line.BARRY EATON(DEWSBURY)A play-making scrum-half and a high-quality goalkicker, Eaton has, under the influence of his coach, Neil Kelly, expanded his repertoire to run at the opposition more. That makes him a much more complete player and a real handful.RICHARD CHAPMAN(FEATHERSTONE)Live-wire hooker who has tormented opposing defences throughout the season.

Although he does have a tendency to play more by instinct than his coach might want, his forays pay off so often that there have been few complains.SEAN CASEY(SWINTON)Never made the grade with St Helens, but as a ball-playing loose forward in the mould of the coach, Les Holliday, he excels in the First Division. Saturday, 26 Sept: Grand Final.FIVE TO WATCH IN THE FIRST DIVISION PLAY-OFFSGAREN CASEY(WAKEFIELD)Accomplished former Penrith stand-off or centre, who is clearly too good to be outside the Super League Salford have proved that by snapping him up for next season. He has clever hands, good vision and an outstanding kicking game.STANLEY GENE(HULL KR)Papuan stand-off who is, quite simply, the most exciting player outside the Super League. What is impossible to predict with any confidence is whether Sunday will be one of those days.Dewsbury have been perhaps the surprise team of the competition.