Shearer: Andy Carroll has to earn no 9 shirt

Mar 4 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

ALAN Shearer has warned Andy Carroll that he still has to prove he is worthy of Newcastle United’s famous number nine shirt after a hugely encouraging season in the Championship.

Shearer has been thrilled by Carroll’s progress this season and he is confident the Gateshead-born striker will continue to improve as a player as long as he remains completely focused on his football career.

The former United captain and record goalscorer worked with Carroll during his eight-game spell as manager at the end of last season, and feels that the 20-year-old has to learn from his mistakes if he is going to become the player he should be at St James’ Park.

Shearer said: "It’s not up to me to say he should be Newcastle’s next number nine.

"If he wants that shirt, he has to say that himself and he has to prove he is worthy of it.

"He has a chance, of course he does. It up to him if he wants it."

Carroll has scored 11 goals this season, seven of which have come in the last nine games, as the England Under-21 international begins to develop into a potent as well as physical target man.

It is a goalscoring record he should be proud of – although Shearer knows that the real test will come if Newcastle are promoted back to the Premier League next season.