Souness optimistic on Shearer future

Newcastle manager Graeme Souness is confident he can persuade Alan Shearer to stay at the club past the end of the season.

The former England striker has indicated this year will be his last, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the campaign.

The Newcastle captain did not feature in today’s 2-0 win at Crystal Palace, frontmen Patrick Kluivert and Craig Bellamy both on target in his absence brought on by a thigh strain picked up in training.

Souness, though, feels the 34-year-old still has “a hell of a lot to offer” as he closes in on Newcastle’s all-time scoring record.

“Alan Shearer, in my opinion is the best striker England has ever had in the history of your football,” declared the former Scotland midfielder.

“There isn’t anybody who knows anything about football who would criticise him.

“I think he still has a hell of a lot to offer this football club and I will be trying to persuade him between now and the end of the season that he should stay for another year.”

Souness added: “I think he will make his own mind up. If we are scoring goals and are doing well, he would want to stay and I would love him to stay and get Jackie Milburn’s record.”