Blackburn don't have the financial clout they had when Shearer helped them win the title, and it seems the title is beyond the "small clubs".
Kenny Dalglish's Blackburn followed on from Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest, winning the top flight title. But will we ever see it again?
Certainly not this season, and Shearer thinks it will take something special for anyone to split the top four.
Shearer: "Blackburn are now battling to get into the top four but whether that will happen I am not really sure. But they will not be far behind.
"They are doing really well and have a good set up. It is very thorough and professional.
"I am surprised other teams did not have a pop at McCarthy.
Blackburn Won't See 'Shearer Times' - So Says The Man Himself!
"He has always been a top scorer and it was a great coup for Mark Hughes to get him.
"He has been inspirational for them. If you are going to win games you need goalscorers and Blackburn have them."