NEWCASTLE striker Alan Shearer can hold claim to taking the perfect penalty - according to experts who have come up with a scientific formula for the skill.

Scientists at John Moores University, in Liverpool, said the now retired star's effort against Argentina in 1998 best matched their formula

(((X + Y + S) / 2) x ((T + I + 2B) / 4)) + (V/2) -1.

They analysed every England penalty taken at major tournaments since 1962, and have now sent the formula to England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson Dr David Lewis, a mathematician who developed the formula, said: "Until now, penalty taking has been described as a lottery, one that England have bought a ticket to but lost when it mattered.

"We would advise lots of practice for the England squad using these guidelines, and maybe we can lift the curse."

Dr Lewis and his team found the six variables that influence a successful penalty kick are: V, the velocity of ball once struck; T, the time between placing ball on spot and striking the ball; S, the number of steps in run-up to strike; I the time that the ball is struck after goalkeeper initiates his dive; Y, the vertical placement of ball from ground; X, the horizontal placement of ball from centre and B, the striking position of boot.

They said the most successful penalties were taken within three seconds and with a velocity of 25 to 29 metres per second guaranteeing the most success.

Scientists also agreed a Roberto Carlos-style ten metre run up looked impressive, but was the least successful, with four to six steps the best for hitting the target.

Ex-Sunderland and Darlington striker Marco Gabbiadini agreed Shearer was a good example of the perfect way to take a penalty.

He said: "Shearer just used to drill it in and that was it.

"Ideally, if you have a shot from 12 yards, it should be in the net before the keeper moves. If you hit the ball with enough accuracy and lots of power then, even if he gets a touch, it will probably go in."

Mr Gabbiadini said his own penalty technique was aimed at placing the ball in the corner of the goal.

He said: "I would walk away with my back to the goal and turn around without giving the keeper time to see my face.

"I always knew where I was going to put the ball - I used to try and put it to the keeper's right hand side and make sure it was off the ground.

"I did not mess about doing silly run-ups and trying to fox the goalkeeper."

Asked about England's World Cup chances in a penalty shoot-out, he added: "It is a lottery.

"I just hope that we will be a little better prepared than we have been in the past."

THE RECIPE FOR SPOT KICK SUCCESS

(((X + Y + S) / 2) x ((T + I + 2B) / 4)) + (V/2) -1

V = Velocity of ball once struck S = Number of steps in run-up to strike I = Time the ball is struck after goalkeeper initiates his dive Y = Vertical placement of ball from ground X = Horizontal placement of ball from centre B = Striking position of boot T = Time between placing ball on spot and striking Alan Shearer's spot kick against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup has been scientifically proven to be the perfect penalty

1. Velocity: The ball must be travelling at a speed of 55.9-64.8 mph.

2. Time: Avoid the "Southgate window" a successful penalty should be taken in less than three seconds.

3. Run-up: Doing a Roberto Carlos run up isn't the way to go. The optimum number of steps is four to six.

4. Aim: Strike the ball 3.2-4.9ft above the ground and 6.5ft either side.

Straight down the middle also gives a good chance of success.

5. Watch the keeper: This is key.

Strikers who hesitate more than .41 milliseconds after the keeper moves halve their chances of scoring.