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The Celebs enjoyed a rare treat in training when they faced some of Newcastle United's star players.
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The Celebs were given a rare treat in training when they lined up for a match against some of Newcastle United's star players. It was a footballing education for them.
After just three days together Graham's squad were pitched into their first game against players of the calibre they will meet at a sold-out St James' Park in five days time. Among the Magpies' team were Alan Shearer, Shola Ameobi, Lee Bowyer, manager Graeme Souness and coach Dean Saunders. Joining them was a sporting hero from the summer - Ashes winner Steve Harmison.
With such strong opposition, what was the celebs' manager expecting from the 30-minute game?
"I'm not overly concerned about the result," Graham said, "it doesn't really worry me at all. I am literally looking at how players perform," adding that he would not be impressed at all if any of his players got stage fright because they were starry-eyed!
As the teams lined up on the pitch, Luther asked Alan Shearer why he wasn't playing.
"Frightened," joked the Newcastle skipper.
The Celebrities may have been relieved the former England striker wasn't playing as they had their hands full with the Newcastle players already on the pitch, but it was Northumberland-born midfielder Martin Brittain who scored the first goal quickly followed by Shola Ameobi who then tapped in his second after jinking past five of the celebrities.
The Premiership side didn't have it all their own way though and the Celebs gave a good account of themselves with Harvey, Steve Brookstein and Jim Alexander catching the eye.
And it was Harvey who received the close attention of Graeme Souness just before the final whistle when the former Liverpool hard man put in a firm challenge on the singer. Perhaps it was just his way of paying a compliment.
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