Darren Bent: “I don’t think I could ever be hero-worshipped like he was at Newcastle – I’m not sure anyone could.
“He was a real icon of our domestic game and world football too. He was someone I looked up to greatly.
“He is a true Toon icon. If I could be half as much of an icon for Villa as he is at Newcastle it would be amazing and would mean I was doing something right in claret and blue!
“He was top class. Alan is way out in front in that 100 goals club that I’ve been privileged to join.
“He’s simply the best striker to have ever come out of this country.
“It would be fantastic to win ahead of my birthday.
“That would make it extra-special. But it’s always nice to get one over on Newcastle as a former Sunderland man.”
Source: FOOTYMAD
