Alan Shearer has no concerns over one key aspect of Newcastle United's Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg against Arsenal on Wednesday night - but admits he is 'very twitchy' ahead of the St James' Park showdown.

The Magpies goal legend knows the home crowd will do their bit as Eddie Howe's men try to book their place in next month's Wembley final, in what should be an electric night on Tyneside. Newcastle hold a two-goal lead going into the second leg, after their imressive 2-0 win at the Emirates in January.

However, club record goalscorer Shearer admits he's nervous about Wednesday's game, especially after United's 2-1 home defeat to Fulham on Saturday, coupled with Arsenal's 5-1 success over Manchester City. But he had a firm message for the Newcastle squad, urging them to get on to the front foot and deliver in front of a raucous sell-out crowd.

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"I'm very twitchy," he admitted on the Rest is Football podcast. "The one thing we don’t want is Arsenal to score early because I would bet the tension around the ground will be off the charts. It definitely would concern me because the previous home game against Bournemouth they got battered. They didn’t deserve anything out of yesterday’s game with Fulham.

"Another home game on Wednesday evening, a really, really important one. But they have got a 2-0 lead going into this one, which is slightly different. There’s not going to be a question of are they going to be up for it or the atmosphere or anything like that. So the atmosphere will be off the charts. But I think what is key is we must not concede an early goal.

"Newcastle’s game is at their best when they’re full on energy, closing down, not giving the opposition any space, Playing on the front foot particularly at St James’ Park down the hill. It’s not going to be straightforward. I hope it is from a Newcastle point of view! I wouldn’t care if Newcastle didn’t win another game this season if they win on Wednesday night and the final. I’d be a happy man!’

Newcastle are looking to book their place in the final against either Liverpool or Tottenham, with Ange Postecoglou's men holding a 1-0 lead ahead of Thursday's second leg at Anfield. Eddie Howe has a doubt over midfielder Joelinton after he picked up a knee injury against Fulham.