Source: Eurosport
Shearer sees signs of revival
Newcastle boss Alan Shearer feels his side's second half performance in their 1-1 draw at Stoke is proof they can avoid relegation. Second half substitute Andy Carroll headed the equaliser nine minutes from time to cancel out Abdoulaye Faye's 33rd minute opener against his old club.
"It was (a) vital (point)," Shearer told Setanta Sports. "When we got that goal I thought we were going to go on and win it.
"The players showed in the second half they were up for the fight, up for the battle. We needed a little bit more quality in the second half and we got it."
Shearer praised Carroll's impact from the bench, adding: "The big man's come on and showed to me that he wants to play a big part. I was delighted for him. I just said to him go and make a name for yourself.
"If we can get balls into the box, with the size of him and the hunger, not many people can handle him."
Asked if he thought they would stay up, Shearer said: "Absolutely yes. I know the players do, especially after that second half performance."
The former striker felt the corner Stoke were awarded which led to their opener should not have been given.
He said: "I was aggrieved at one or two decisions, particularly that one."
The point moved Stoke six points clear of the drop zone, but boss Tony Pulis does not believe they are yet safe.
He said: "Not a chance. We've got to approach every game in the right manner. We've got three games left at home, three big games.
"We will keep plodding away and trying to pick up points wherever we go."
Pulis felt his team deserved better this afternoon, saying: "I thought for 70 odd minutes we really played at a good tempo and created lots of opportunities."
