Shearer compares Carroll to Duncan Ferguson

Apr 18 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

“However, I wouldn’t want to compare him with Dunc just yet, I certainly don’t want him kicking my door down.” Carroll’s potential has been evident for years at St James’s Park, but the club’s coaching staff have been keen to keep his feet on the ground and Shearer is no different.

Unlike Carroll, Shearer did his growing up without the distraction of the hero worship he received later in his career in his hometown and the United manager does not want to see the 20-year-old’s talent go to waste because of a big head.

He said: “He is a talent. He has a long way to go, without a doubt. He would tell you that himself.

“If we can help him and guide him, ask him to do one or two things differently that he has not been asked before, hopefully he will get us some goals to help us out of trouble.

“I have watched the header (against Stoke) one or two times. It was a magnificent header, a great header. He excites me, but we have got centre forwards and we have to provide them with the ammunition.

“Andy is a tough character. He seems shy at times.

“It is hard to believe that he is 6ft 3 ins and shy, especially when I saw that haircut he had a few weeks ago. I think he is enjoying working with us and vice versa.”