Sporting Life are carrying a report that AS has prepared himself to require a second operation on the tendon in his left knee that will finish his season, despite the optimistic noises emanating from SJP.

They quote Shearer as saying "I am preparing myself for the worst outcome - an operation in a month's time and a comeback next season."

However, they quote both AS and Bobby Robson as insisting his latest setback is not career-threatening, with Alan saying "I've heard it all before and I can handle it. If I had listened to all the doom-mongers in the past I would have hung up my boots a long time ago. I prefer to listen to what the experts tell me."

The report quotes BR as not being particularly worried for Shearer's long-term future despite his latest spell on the sidelines - "We just have to wait one more month and if it hasn't settled down he'll need another operation, which would be a blow. But I don't think this is career-threatening at all; he's just had a slight setback, he just jarred the knee in a practice match. He suffered a lot of pain and discomfort and it didn't get better for eight to 10 days so we decided on this option of a second opinion. I believe the operation was a success."

How can it possibly have been a success? It seems to me that either the original operation was not totally successful, or he came back too soon. They surely can't have it both ways?

-- Anonymous, March 25, 2001

Answers

Doesn’t sound too good. I think we all agree that he came back to early. How on earth he was allowed to play full 90-min games is beyond me.

I personally think he’s finished and it’s time to build around new fresh faces. He’ll make a good second half sub for next season……..Or is his ego too big for such a thing??

-- Anonymous, March 25, 2001

I disagree Hiro. Although, granted, he will never be the force he once was, he is now 30 years old, played all gimped up the last two or three seasons. I think this is just what he needs. That is, to get the problem fixed, properly, and not be rushed back. If things go according to plan we should see Alan Shearer back in full force next season.

Having said that, NUFC must listen to the specialist, and not play him until 100% fit, and that includes the reserves and friendly matches. The temptation has been too great, both from YBR and Shearer himself, to rush back early, hence the spot he is now in. (Likewise Cort). Take the time and look to next year. Hopefully when he gets back he will have some fit and capable help up front. And lets not make him the Captain again. Let him concentrate on what he is supposed to do, and that simply is to score and make goals.

Aye, he may be 30, and he may be hurt, but he's not finished yet, not by a long chalk.

-- Anonymous, March 25, 2001

I wouldn't write Shearer off so quickly. He has mental fortitude beyond any other in wor team, plus most others in the EPL. He will know when he's done and will pack in then to move into management. I agree with PiC that he needs a rest - shame YBR and the rest of them (AS included) didn't realise this. As I've been harping on for months/years, we should have had 3 or four top class strikers. It's never been good enough since Sir Les left. Prior to that, we had Shearer, Ferdinand and Tino. Perm and 3 from those.

Even then, I said we were light. All the top teams have 4 strikers which they rotate in and out. Is Shearer prepared to play such a role??

-- Anonymous, March 25, 2001

Liverpool have loads of good strikers but they all ended up playing on Saturday and will again during the week. Who'd have thought they'd be up against Manchester United on Saturday. Luck of the Devil that lot.

-- Anonymous, March 25, 2001

This should definitely bring the Cort/Ameobi partnership under the microscope. We'll need to suss out if either or both are Premiership capable. This would go a long way, IMHO, in seeing where Bobby decides to spend in the summer.

-- Anonymous, March 25, 2001

The Club is admitting this morning that D. Steadman has only given a 30% chance of the 4 weeks rest doing the trick, and that there is a 70% chance he needs another operation with a further 3 months rehab.

Slightly different to the original story, but hey, we're only fans.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2001

Can they operate now and get it right so that there is no chance of Shearer playing this season and hence he will not be rushed back but will be fit for the start of next season?

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2001

Naah...Al can get a better rate on the ski slopes after the Spring Breakers go home. ;-)))

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2001