Joy at World Cup venues success

Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton said it was 'fantastic'

Former Newcastle United captain Alan Shearer and Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn say they are delighted the cities could host World Cup matches.

St James' Park and the Stadium of Light have been chosen as potential venues if England's bid to stage the 2018 tournament is successful.

Shearer said he was "extremely proud" while an "absolutely thrilled" Quinn said it was fantastic for the region.

Governing body Fifa will choose the host country in December 2010.

Among those supporting Newcastle's bid were former players Peter Beardsley, Malcolm Macdonald and Mick Martin.

Middlesbrough, Darlington, Hartlepool and Carlisle football clubs, as well as Durham County Cricket Club, all threw their weight behind Sunderland's campaign.

If the two cities do eventually host World Cup matches, it has been estimated that the North East's economy could be boosted by up to £150m.

Sunderland chairman said it was a fantastic day for the region

Chris Hughton, Newcastle United manager, said: "St James' Park is a fantastic venue for world class football, and Newcastle-Gateshead will welcome the world with the same passion they have for football.

"This is a fantastic achievement for the club and for Tyneside."

Alan Shearer said: "I am extremely proud that my home town, and the stadium I enjoyed playing football in for so many years, have been chosen as part of England 2018."

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn said: "I am absolutely thrilled - what a fantastic day for Sunderland and the North East.

"As soon as we were aware that England was considering a bid to host the 2018/22 FIFA World Cup we knew we wanted to be part of something that could showcase our club, our city and the region on a scale bigger than anything we've ever known.

"The collaboration between the city council and the football club has been seamless, with both organisations working hand in hand to demonstrate to England 2018 just why they needed Sunderland at the heart of their bid."

Milton Keynes, London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol and Plymouth are the other cities to be included in the bid.