Jack Hixon, who spotted Shearer as a schoolboy and helped him launch his playing career at Southampton, is convinced the 37-year-old will make the grade as a boss.

The former England captain last night revealed he had politely declined the opportunity to be included on the shortlist for the vacant post at Blackburn.

However, Hixon is certain he will eventually move into management and make a major impact.

He said: "There are many things involved - there are implications with his BBC contract for one - but I think he will eventually be a manager.

"Where? We know not, as yet. But when they get him, they will get the best because he conforms to every image of a football genius."

Shearer has already declined several opportunities to launch his coaching career, having gone through the process of attaining his badges since his retirement from playing two summers ago.

Steve McClaren was keen to include him in his England set-up, while he held talks with Kevin Keegan after his appointment at Newcastle in January, but in both cases Shearer turned down the chance.

Shearer is enjoying his television work and has two years of his current BBC contract to run.

However, he has made no secret of his desire to move into management one day and in admitting the timing of the Blackburn job was not quite right, he sparked a debate over just when it might be.

Hixon said: "Can someone define the right time and the right job?

"The opportunity was welcomed and the negation of it was only arrived at after he considered everything involved.

"I just know he is right because he is the most rational and thoughtful of people.

"I know he considers issues in depth - there is nothing superficial about him - and there is never a decision taken off the cuff.

"He has gone through the implications of it and that's his decision - and I am absolutely certain it will be the correct one."

Hixon and Shearer have maintained the links they forged quarter of a century ago since and the older man believes his decision-making throughout his playing career was unerring.

However, he bristles at the suggestion that his former protege has snubbed Rovers by rejecting the chance to be considered for the job.

Hixon said: "I always respect what Alan Shearer does because it is never done illogically.

"Alan Shearer is well versed in every element of football, he is well versed in every elemennt of civic pride, so when I read in one paper today the he 'snubs' Blackburn, I think that's an awful expression.

"He has not snubbed Blackburn. He said positively that he welcomed the approach and it was only after that that he made a decision the he did not want to further it.

"I have total and absolute respect for the decision Alan Shearer has made.

"He will have taken the balance of everything that was necessary before he made that decision.

"He is not a vapid sort of person, he is very logical and rational and to use such a word as 'snubs' is totally wrong.

"He has considered the implications and felt it is not the right, certainly at this time, to be on the shortlist."