Shearer past it, warns Pleat

NEWCASTLE have been accused by David Pleat of relying too heavily on Alan Shearer.

The former Tottenham manager believes Shearer is nowhere near the force he once was, yet Newcastle will look to him for goals more than ever in the coming months after Michael Owen’s injury.

Pleat feels manager Graeme Souness is showing too much loyalty to the former England captain.

“They have got problems,” said Pleat.

“I don’t think Alan Shearer can do it consistently at all. He is 35, not 25.

“He is not able to produce it, particularly away from home and several games a week is too much for him.

“Shearer at half pace will still score goals but (you wonder) if they have lowered their standards for what is required.

“Their recruitment policy has not been good.

“Jean-Alain Boumsong is a very good example of that. Here is a player who was offered for nothing from France.

“He went to Rangers for nothing and they have paid £7 million (€10 million) or £8m (€11m) for him and the guy has had a poor time consistently.”