Shearer: Now it’s all about survial

Apr 3 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

“Yes, I will go out and see the fans and sign the autographs and I will speak to them and give them everything we can, but we have to forget this thing about me.

“We have a job to do. There is a big bonus at the end which is keeping this club in the Premier League, that is the bonus for me.”

Meanwhile, Shearer has already told Michael Owen he will definitely be starting against Chelsea tomorrow as he looks for some inspiration from the United skipper.

Owen was dropped to the substitutes’ bench by caretaker manager Chris Hughton for the 3-1 home defeat by Arsenal in Newcastle’s last game, but Shearer will not make the same mistake.

He said: “I spoke to Michael and a few of the players to try to remind them of the standards and the qualities they possess, but most importantly what they think of themselves.

“It is well known Michael has had his fair share of injuries, but his goalscoring record is fabulous and I think a club in this position needs goals.

“We have a great goalscorer to get us that.

“He is fit and trained this morning very well for two hours, so we hope he is fit for Saturday and, if he is, he will start.”

And Shearer hopes his strong personal

relationship with Owen (pictured right) will help bring out the best in him between now and the end of the season.

He said: “I remember in Euro 96 when I hadn’t scored for however many games. A month before the tournament Terry Venables said to me ‘You’ll be starting the tournament’. I always remember the belief and confidence that gave me. It was a great piece of man-management and that stuck out for me.

“All players are different but everyone loves to be told they are a good player and how well they are doing.”