Source: Eurosport
Shearer Facing 'Biggest Challenge'
Alan Shearer has admitted saving his beloved Newcastle would be the biggest achievement of his glittering career in football.[LNB]The 38-year-old will send out his team at Stoke on Saturday with just seven games of the Premier League season remaining and knowing their plight is fast becoming critical.[LNB]However, the task of dragging the Magpies out of the bottom three - they are currently three points adrift of derby rivals Sunderland - is one he remains confident he can add to his CV.[LNB]Asked if saving his home-town club is the biggest challenge of his career to date, he replied: "Most definitely, the biggest, without a doubt the biggest challenge.[LNB]"We are in a very, very tough situation and we have got a hell of a lot of work to do.[LNB]"But I am still confident we can do it."[LNB]Asked further if a successful conclusion to his mission would represent his biggest achievement, he added: "Without a doubt, yes."[LNB]Shearer, who was appointed manager at St James' Park until the end of the season last week, knows time is quickly running out and that a positive result at the Britannia Stadium this weekend is a must.[LNB]He said: "It's imperative, it really is. We are going there to try to get three points.[LNB]"Now, that might change depending on the game. We have got a late kick-off, so we will know other results around us, but we are going there with the intention of trying to get three points.[LNB]"We need three points, put it that way."[LNB]Only Everton, Chelsea and Manchester United have won in the league at Stoke this season with Tony Pulis' men collecting 28 points from a possible 45 on home turf, three of them from Champions League quarter-finalists Arsenal.[LNB]That record, combined with their combative style, has left Shearer in little doubt as to what will be required.[LNB]He said: "Well, you know how they play, we know how they play, we know what their threat is, everyone does.[LNB]"But there are not many people who've gone to Stoke this season and come away successful.[LNB]"When you look at their points at home this season, they are doing something right at their place and not many teams are going there and winning.[LNB]"But we know what we are facing, without doubt. You can watch numerous DVDs or whatever you want to watch and have them watched as many times as you like.[LNB]"You know what you are getting - can you handle it? Can you be big, can you be brave, can we be strong, can we play our football, can we come away with three points?[LNB]"That's the intention."[LNB]Shearer is rapidly learning how significant injuries have been on Tyneside this season and has already ruled out left-back Jose Enrique (knee) and midfielder Peter Lovenkrands (chest infection).[LNB]Worryingly in the face of the aerial threat posed by the Potters, he will also have to do without home-grown defender Steven Taylor, who has failed to recover from his ankle injury, although Sebastien Bassong trained today after shaking off a groin problem and will be in contention provided he does not suffer any reaction.[LNB]That occupational hazard aside, the Shearer is still enjoying his task but remains adamant his stay at the helm will be only temporary.[LNB]He said: "Listen, there's been enough written and said about that. Now it's time to put that to bed.[LNB]"There are seven games for us to play starting on Saturday."[LNB]
