Shearer Facing 'Biggest Challenge'

Alan Shearer has admitted saving his beloved Newcastle would be the biggest achievement of his glittering career in football.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.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.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."We are in a very, very tough situation and we have got a hell of a lot of work to do."But I am still confident we can do it."Asked further if a successful conclusion to his mission would represent his biggest achievement, he added: "Without a doubt, yes."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.He said: "It's imperative, it really is. We are going there to try to get three points."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."We need three points, put it that way."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.That record, combined with their combative style, has left Shearer in little doubt as to what will be required.He said: "Well, you know how they play, we know how they play, we know what their threat is, everyone does."But there are not many people who've gone to Stoke this season and come away successful."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."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."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?"That's the intention."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).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.That occupational hazard aside, the Shearer is still enjoying his task but remains adamant his stay at the helm will be only temporary.He said: "Listen, there's been enough written and said about that. Now it's time to put that to bed."There are seven games for us to play starting on Saturday."

Source: Eurosport