Venables salutes Shearer as footballing master

Ian Parkes

Reformed bad-boy Smith has hit the headlines for all the right reasons in the last few days following his England heroics on Saturday, with the 21-year-old crowning his dazzling debut with a goal in a 1-1 friendly draw against Portugal.

A potentially glittering international career now beckons for Smith, one which may prove as spectacular as that of the 31-year-old Shearer he turns 32 on Friday who hung up his England boots after scoring 30 goals in 63 internationals.

Venables still reveres Newcastle striker Shearer, a player he worked with at close quarters during his time as England manager, in particular at Euro 96 when he finished the tournament as leading scorer with five goals.

Since turning his back on England, and after recovering from serious injuries, the evergreen Shearer has rediscovered his zest for the game and has proven a hit for the Magpies.

"I enjoyed working with him I enjoyed working with all of the England lads as they are all good players but Alan was terrific,'' said Venables.

Shearer and Smith go head-to-head tonight at St James' Park when Leeds face Sir Bobby Robson's side, with the veteran enjoying an enviable record against the Whites as he has scored 17 goals in 17 matches.

Venables, though, believes the two cannot be compared as he describes Shearer as "a specialist," while Smith has a number of strings to his bow due to his versatility, although that will only prove beneficial.

Looking back on Smith's debut, Venables said: "He did very well, there's no doubt about that, and he's enjoyed it. But that's all behind us now. Now it's time to get back to the reality of the Premiership, which is not a bad reality to return to.

Smith's temperament used to be his downfall, but the 21-year-old concedes he has learned the lessons from his past, and he has now managed to channel his aggression. Venables is aware Smith treads "a very fine line".

Centre-back duo Jonathan Woodgate and Dominic Matteo are both fit following recent knee and ankle injuries, while defender Teddy Lucic goes into the squad after signing on loan until the end of the season on transfer deadline day.

Michael Bridges, out for the last two years with Achilles and knee injuries, could be on the bench after successful run-outs in the reserves this season.

Craig Bellamy and Laurent Robert will be in the Newcastle squad after Robson reported a clean bill of health.

The Welshman, who came on as a substitute for Wales in Finland at the weekend, and the French winger, could yet be involved from the start, although Robson admits Robert is the more likely to line up from the off. Kieron Dyer has recovered from his shin problem while Greek defender Nikos Dabizas has a slight calf problem but is expected to be fit.

The Magpies will make a late check on Lomana LuaLua after his return from international duty on Sunday.