Source: Telegraph
Alan Shearer gives Newcastle's newest No 9 Andy Carroll seal of approval
Shearer became Newcastle's record goal-scorer when he sported the club's iconic No 9 shirt and he gave Carroll his seal of approval as the Gateshead-born striker made his mark in the Premier League with three goals in a 6-0 humbling of Aston Villa.[LNB]His astonishing feat demonstrated that he is unfazed by wearing a shirt that is hugely significant in the North-East thanks to the exploits down the years of Shearer, Jackie Milburn, Malcolm Macdonald, Les Ferdinand and Andrew Cole.[LNB] Related ArticlesJoey Barton has close shave with criticsNewcastle United 6 Aston Villa 0Newcastle United v Aston Villa: as it happenedColoccini: Newcastle's home form keyThe battle of the bruisersHughton: Campbell will not play until fully fit'I was delighted that Andy had, if you like, the guts the take the No 9 shirt because we know that players over the years have shied away from it,' said Shearer, who scored 206 goals for his hometown club. 'It is a big responsibility because it is a huge shirt.[LNB]'Plus there have been some big, big names that have worn the shirt and some great players at that. I am not talking about myself there. I am talking about the Milburns, the Macdonalds and the Ferdinands and other players like that."[LNB]As well as the goals against Villa, Shearer Carroll's childhood hero - was also impressed with the England Under-21 international's endeavours in the 3-0 defeat by Manchester United.[LNB]'There were one or two positives to be taken from the Manchester United game,' he said. 'No one expected us to get anything but I thought that Andy Carroll played the lone striker's role very well against Manchester United.[LNB]'It is hard enough playing up front on your own up front anyway when playing in that role when you are a youngster and playing at Old Trafford is very, very difficult. Chris might have looked at that and thought if we can play the same way and get up and support him on occasions that might be successful.'[LNB]Former England and Newcastle captain Shearer, whose spell as interim manager of the club resulted in relegation 15 months ago, also backed current incumbent Chris Hughton to succeed in the top flight following promotion from the Championship.[LNB]'It is a completely different animal to last year,' Shearer added. 'Chris knows that you are playing better opposition this year, more quality players and forwards and teams that if you attack them can punish you.[LNB]'He knows as well as everyone else does and I don't want to disappoint too many Newcastle fans but Newcastle have to stay in this division. That is the priority this year because it looks as though there will be no money to be spent.[LNB]'You will have to look at the opposition more this year than ever. The Premier League is full of quality. You are probably in most danger when you attack times because of the counter-attacking of many teams can damage you.[LNB]'The priority has to be to keep this club in the Premier League and then you can build from there. It looks as though there will be no money spent of made available to the manager so he has to do with what he has. He did a very good job last year and deserves a crack at it again this season.'[LNB]Shearer, a Match of the Day pundit, also remains keen to return to management and is willing to work outside the top flight for the first time in his football career.[LNB]'My emotions haven't changed, I really loved it and I would do it again tomorrow if I could,' Shearer said. 'Not necessarily here at Newcastle but I would certainly do it again given the right people to work with, the right football club and the finances to spend.[LNB]'I thoroughly enjoyed my time despite what happened. I loved the challenges that faced me every day. But you have to be given a chance in the game and in particular in your first one it has to be right.[LNB]'If the right one came along then I would actually do it tomorrow, without a doubt. But there must be 300 or 400 people looking for that right one.[LNB]'If you are given the chance to work with decent people and a club with ambition that wants to go places and that is not necessarily in the Premier League. I have a great job at this moment in time but I wouldn't rule anything out.'[LNB]
