Bobby isn't afraid to rest shearer

By Matthew Jones
October 7 2002

Even after Alan Shearer's two goal brace at home to West Brom on Saturday, MAgpies Manager Sir Bobby Robson is still not afraid to rest his skipper. Bobby insists that it is his job to look after his players and he feels that Shearer needs a good rest.

Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson has reiterated that he is still not afraid to rest skipper Alan Shearer - even after his two-goal haul on Saturday.

The Newcastle cheif watched his skipper almost single-handedly turn a 1-0 deficit at home to West Brom into a precious 2-1 win at the weekend.

Shearer's brace make it six goals in 13 games this season, and he shows no signs of letting up despite a hectic recent programme of Premiership and Champions League games.

Robson though, insists the time may come when he has to tell the 32-year-old to slow down ­despite the player's recent request to play in every game.

"It's my job to protect Alan - I have to look after him," he said. "I knew that if we got him through Saturday's game, he wouldn't have to play for another fortnight. If I'm honest, the break has come at just the right time for Alan, because he needs a good rest. He hates to miss games and doesn't like to be taken off, but that time will come. If I have to force his hand, then I will do it."

The United boss added: "Nobody admires Alan more than I do, but I'm not afraid of a fight and he must realise it's in his best interests."