Shearer: "I've Worn The T-Shirt"
Last updated : 05 May 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
The 27-year-old played the full 90 minutes in Monday evening's 1-0 defeat at Reading after 10 months on the sidelines recovering from his ruptured cruciate ligament. But he returns to St James' today.
Shearer missed most of the 1997/8 season and made his return in January 1998 at St James' Park in the 2-1 win over Bolton. But, unlike Owen, he came back gradually with a couple of games as substitute.
Shearer: "Unfortunately, I have been in his position where it is a long old road back and some of the long, lonely days you have on your own with the physio.
"But when you come back, it makes it all worthwhile. It is very difficult and the buzz of playing football again, the adrenalin rush is pumping.
"He would have gone through all those emotions - well, I know he did - but I thought he was brilliant. For his first game in I don't know how many months, I thought he looked sharp, he looked strong, and that all bodes well for Newcastle.
"I know there is a lot of talk with England and Michael, but he sometimes gets frustrated because he wants to come in and get back playing and he wants to score goals for Newcastle first and foremost.
"If England gets tagged on the end of that, then there's nothing really he can do about that.
"But I know he wants to prove a point to these fans here first and foremost."
Shearer will be in the crowd at St James' Park tomorrow as Owen makes his first home appearance for the Magpies since December 10, 2005, and like the rest of the Toon Army, is relishing the prospect.
"I am looking forward to seeing him. I am off on Saturday, so I will be at the game. If he plays as well as he played at Reading, the Blackburn defence will be in for a tough time.
"We both scored against Blackburn last season. He will be sharp and am sure he will be looking forward to it.
"The fans deserve a good send-off. It is the last home game and hopefully the players can give them it.
"I felt a bit sorry for Shola, to be honest because of all the hype with Michael - and that's understandable. But Shola has had a serious injury as well and he has worked very hard. He will feel exactly the same as Michael will.
"They won't want the season to end, they will want the season to carry right through because they have just got back.
"But the rest will probably do them good because for the last two or three months, they have probably worked harder than anyone.
"They will have the last couple of games and hopefully get a goal or two, and then they will be raring to go in pre-season."