Source: SKY_Sports
Viduka backs Shearer to stay
Mark Viduka believes that if Newcastle avoid the drop then manager Alan Shearer will go on to have a long and successful career in charge of the Magpies.
Newcastle moved out of the drop zone on Monday after a 3-1 win over neighbours Middlesbrough at St James' Park to record their first home win since 21st December.
But despite the club's change in fortunes following their first win since Shearer took over, the former Toon striker has insisted that he will not be staying on as boss beyond the end of the season.
But Viduka, who was instrumental in the win over his former club, declares that despite the lack of victories under Shearer he has still had a major effect on the players.
"He's had a massive impact," he said.
"Everybody respects Alan - he's got that automatically. Maybe he doesn't have the experience as a manager, but he has got that presence about him.
"I wish him all the best - and I hope we stay up and he's got a long career here."
Shearer was full of praise for his Australian frontman after the Boro success and Viduka admits that such acclaim makes up for what has been an injury-hit campaign.
"It's great. I was a massive fan of Alan's. He knows what striking is all about, he knows the position and it's an honour," he added.
"Since Alan came back, the first thing he did was ask me whether I was in or out, and I want to keep this club up, that's the most important thing, as do the rest of the players.
"It meant so much to us last night to get this win. It's a derby game, it's always a difficult game - the last two years I have played here, I don't think we have beaten them - and on such an important occasion, we did the business."
