TONY ADAMS' personal counsellor is on stand-by to fly to France next month to help the England central defender through the World Cup finals, it was revealed yesterday. Steve Jacobs has been by Adams' side since the Arsenal skipper admitted he was an alcoholic in September 1996, and the defender is keen for him to also be his room-mate. Now Jacobs admits he is prepared to be with Adams for as long as necessary in France '98, with the 31-year-old, who now has 50 caps, looking to maintain the treatment he has been receiving for almost two years. Adams is currently with England coach Glenn Hoddle's squad as they compete in the King Hassan II International tournament in Morocco. Jacobs said: ''I've not spoken to Tony since he has been away. Nothing has been discussed or finalised and until something is agreed between him and Glenn, then I will await his call.'' Jacobs, who has also helped Middlesbrough and former Arsenal star Paul Merson overcome his drink, drug and gambling addiction, is now highly regarded within the Arsenal camp, becoming almost a permanent feature within the club as he was present at all of the Gunners' games - both home and away - last season, and celebrated on the pitch after the FA Cup Final win. He is now such a trusted figure, he even accompanied the Arsenal team on their victory parade around north London after they won the Double. Jacobs also figured prominently in helping Adams come through another difficult time in his career just before Christmas when back and ankle problems nearly forced him to quit the game. Manager Arsene Wenger recommended Adams go for physical treatment in France and, with Jacobs' assistance, Adams was then able to lead Arsenal to the first ever Premiership title and first FA Cup in five years. ''I've been with Tony for the last few years," said Jacobs. "If I did go to France then it would be nothing new for me or for him. That would have to be his decision. It hasn't been mentioned, but if I am asked to go then I will do so.'' Adams' personal problems first emerged in early 1991 when he served two months of a four month jail sentence after being convicted of drink-driving but was playing again by the time they won the championship title that year. England's Euro 96 semi-final defeat to Germany led to Adams drinking again as he also came to terms with the breakdown of his marriage.

HANDS OFF SHEARER   NEWCASTLE chief executive Freddie Fletcher has issued a hands off warning to clubs intent on trying to prise Alan Shearer away from St James' Park. The England captain has been linked with Barcelona and Juventus, with the Italian giants reported to be considering a £22m offer. But Fletcher insists that Newcastle's star man is not available at any price. He said: "First and foremost, Alan Shearer is not for sale. Let me stress once and for all that he is not leaving this club. "We have not had a bid from Juventus but, in any case, if anyone is interested in him they are wasting their time. Alan Shearer is a key part of this club's future. His experience at club, European and international level is vital as we go through a period of re-structuring and we'd be mad to let him go." Newcastle's disappointing season, in which they only just avoided relegation and lost to Arsenal in the FA Cup Final, has fuelled speculation that Shearer may be ready to move abroad in search of silverware. But manager Kenny Dalglish is planning a summer rebuilding programme designed to make the Magpies a major force, with £15m striker Shearer the jewel in the crown. Dalglish has already started his spending spree, agreeing a £1.5m fee with Panathanaikos for Greek international midfielder Yorgos Yoryadis, and he's also hoping to complete the £2m signing of Sheffield United midfielder Wayne Quinn in the next few days.

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