Dream on bonnie lad

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Alan Shearer heads for Birmingham tonight admitting that he has travels much further afield on his mind.

For the Newcastle skipper is aware that the Worthington Cup offers a route back into Europe after the heartache of missing out this season.

Speaking from Sutton Coldfield where United are based for the next four days Shearer told me today: "A lot of teams think they can qualify for Europe via the League and obviously we are one of them.

"We would love to qualify for Europe this way if we can - and we believe we can - but if not the Worthington Cup is another great way of booking a place in next season's European competitions.

"A club like Newcastle United should be in Europe year in, year out. But this is the first time since I came here that we have not been in Europe, and it is very disappointing.

"However it is going to be a very tough game tonight. We have something to prove because we were knocked out by Birmingham last season."

Shearer goes into the game knowing that by the full-time whistle he could be the greatest goalscorer in Newcastle United's Cup history.

His two goals in the previous round against Bradford City took him on to 24 for United in all cup competitions.

This eased him one ahead of the great Jackie Milburn and just two short of Malcolm Macdonald's record 26 cup goals for United.

As ever, Shearer was positive saying: "I'll do it. I'll break the record. It's just a matter of time, and I hope I do it sooner or later.

"Hopefully I will do it tonight. It is something to look forward to." Taken from last night's Ronnie. Just who was he trying to kid?

-- Anonymous, November 30, 2000

Answers

Maybe this is part of the problem? Thinking too much about Europe next season? Not just Shearer, but all of them? Subconsciously feeling they've only got to turn up this season and they'll get Europe next? Forget Europe! Concentrate on this season!

-- Anonymous, November 30, 2000

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