Shearer backs Arsenal's David Seaman

By Matthew Jones
May 17 2003

The Sun reported..

ALAN SHEARER insists David Seaman is STILL England's No1 goalkeeper.

And the former England skipper fully expects his old international team-mate to pull out all the stops at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium this afternoon.

However, the one-time Saint will be rooting for underdogs Southampton to dump Arsenal - and make it an FA Cup final to remember.

His only regret would be knowing South Coast glory would mean more heartache for his old pal - in a week that has already seen the 75-cap Gunners keeper axed by national boss Sven Goran Eriksson.

Newcastle star Shearer, 32, admitted: "I was surprised, to say the least, to learn of Sven's decision to leave David out of this summer's games.

"David Seaman isn't just a nice guy who absolutely everyone respects. He is, in my view, still England's No1 keeper.

"It's a title he has held for a number of years and, for me, he is still one of the best goalkeepers that the Premiership has to offer.

"And I don't quite believe he will be put on the scrapheap.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticising the likes of David James, Paul Robinson or Ian Walker.

"It's just that David Seaman should still be between the posts when the Euro 2004 qualifiers come along this summer.

"Not only does he have the advantage of a huge amount of experience, gained over many seasons at the very top, but no one works harder on his game.

"Everyone makes the odd mistake - and keepers are always highlighted more when it's them who have messed up - but Dave is still a great."

With speculation surrounding his future, today's clash could well prove to be the last time Seaman, 39, turns out for the Gunners.

SunSport exclusively revealed yesterday that Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan wants to make the ponytailed stopper a £30,000-a-week replacement for Peter Schmeichel.

And Highbury chief Arsene Wenger is said to fancy buying a new keeper during the close-season.

Yet Shearer reckons the uncertainty could see Seaman doubly-determined to stop the Saints marching in today.

He added: "I don't think this week's news will have done Southampton any favours at all.

"I mean, does he need any more incentive to produce another great performance than to be knocked back as he has?

"Knowing the character that he is, don't be surprised if he turns in a tremendous performance.

"We have all taken that kind of treatment over the years, we've all been written off. But that only makes us even more determined to stuff the words back down the throats of the critics."

Shearer kicked-off his illustrious career at Southampton back in 1988 - and marked his debut with a hat-trick - ironically against Arsenal at the club's old ground, The Dell.

The hitman went from that explosive start to become an England strike legend and one of the most prolific frontmen the country has produced.

And while the Toon ace expects a masterclass from Seaman today, he is also looking forward to seeing Gunners super-striker Thierry Henry turning on the style for the big occasion.

Shearer added: "The Frenchman didn't beat Ruud van Nistelrooy to the Golden Boot this season - but he has swept almost everything else before him.

"The respect his fellow pros have for Thierry is shown by all the awards he has picked up recently.

"He is the Players' Player and Football Writers' Player of the Year. He's a fantastic footballer - with skill, pace and the ability to make finishing easy. Some of his play has been simply breathtaking and I don't doubt he could pick up all the plaudits after this afternoon's final.

"Some of his goals have been outstanding. He is a world-class player and if Southampton are to push Arsenal close then the Saints defence MUST be at their very best.

"Give Henry one chance and you are one-down.

"But I'm a big admirer of the way Arsenal play in general. Don't for a moment think it is all about Henry.

"They have so many matchwinners in their side - Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg...

"That said, I really, really hope that Southampton can pull it off.

"Remember they were underdogs the last time they won the cup - when they defeated Manchester United in 1976.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I did the usual things for two years as an apprentice and then the chance came, against Arsenal. I got my hattrick and the rest is...

"I have still got so many friends and family there and hope they will do it.

"Southampton is a great, warm, friendly club. They are nice people.

"I know the effect the win in the 70s had. It went down in history and they dream of repeating that again - so, in 10 years' time, folk can talk in the same way about Gordon Strachan's team.

"And remember, it is not always the superstars who win cup finals!

"So don't, for one moment, think Saints are going to Cardiff just to make up the numbers.

"Chris Marsden has had a fantastic season and in Antti Niemi they have a top-class goalkeeper, who has also had a good campaign.

"Everything will have to click for them but they have more than a small chance - this isn't a non-league side playing a Premiership team.

"Who'll win? My head says Arsenal - but my heart says Southampton."

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