Newcastle United's record goalscorer Alan Shearer has revealed the 'simple' tactical tweak from Sir Bobby Robson which prolonged his club career.

The pundit appeared on BBC 5 Live Sport on Saturday to discuss Jamie Vardy's blistering form under Brendan Rodgers.

The striker leads the Premier League's goalscoring charts with 16 strikes in just 16 games, as Leicester City have emerged as unlikely title contenders.

Vardy retired from international duty in August last year and is reaping the rewards of the decision, as well as Rodgers' instruction to limit his running to the width of the penalty area.

When asked about the changes made to the 32-year-old striker's game, Shearer revealed he benefited from a similar tweak following Sir Bobby's arrival on Tyneside in September 1999.

Shearer replied: "Sir Bobby Robson when he came in to Newcastle did exactly the same thing with me.

"I was at a loss as to why I was struggling, I couldn't score goals.

"When you're not having as many touches of the ball as you want, you go looking for it.

"I was going shorter and shorter, and the one simple thing - it took a genius like Bobby to come in and spot it. He said you're making it so easy for the defenders, they're seeing the back of you all the time.

"Run the other way, run towards goal - that's what defenders don't like. It was just that tiny bit of advice and he said if you do that, you'll create more space for our midfielders and you'll get more balls into the box by doing so.

"He was absolutely right."

Shearer admits Vardy was not enduring a similar goal drought when Rodgers arrived, but the changes introduced have arguably helped the Leicester striker to find the best form of his career.

Leicester City's Jamie Vardy (right) scores his side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at the King Power Stadium, Leicester.
Leicester City's Jamie Vardy (right) scores his side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at the King Power Stadium, Leicester.

The United legend added: "That wasn't the case with Jamie, but in terms of how Brendan has managed him in saying play between the width of the 18-yard box. Do most of your running towards the goal.

"Giving him time off, letting him go and sit on a beach somewhere when England are playing, and he without doubt is getting the benefit of that now.

"I think he's as sharp as I've ever seen him in terms of giving defenders absolute nightmares because of his play. What is it, 16 goals in 16 games?

"I think it was 24 when they won the Premier League so he's on course to break that now.

"Jamie Vardy is causing defenders more problems now than I've ever seen before."