Given: Shearer right for Magpies

FORMER Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given believes Alan Shearer is the right man to lead the club back into the Premier League.

Shearer was unable to save his hometown club from dropping into the Championship after being appointed for the final eight games of a dismal season last season.

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Given ended his lengthy stay at St James’ Park in January when he joined Manchester City.

And having played alongside Shearer as the forward became the Magpies’ all-time leading goalscorer, Republic of Ireland international Given is in no doubt as to his qualities.

“I think he is the right guy to move the club forward. He’s got great respect in the game,’’ Given told Sky Sports News.

“He is a great ambassador for football and I think he would be the ideal man to move the club in the right direction.

“He is a leader off the pitch and now he is going to be a manager he can be a leader more so than when he was captain, he has got the qualities to be a top manager.’’

Magpies owner Mike Ashley has placed a £100million (€119m) asking price on the club as he looks to sell up and sever his ties, and Given believes it is vital for everyone concerned with the North East outfit to look to the future.

“I’m not going to sit here and start pointing fingers. I think most people know about what has gone wrong and who is to blame,’’ the Donegal man said.

“It is not about blaming people and pointing fingers any more. A lot has been said and a lot has been written.

“It’s about moving the club forward. They have been relegated and it’s about getting them back to the Premiership where they belong.

“It’s a club that deserves to be in the Premier League.’’