Shearer Hails Team Spirit

By Matthew Jones
April 20 2004

Skipper Alan Shearer has vowed that his side will overcome any injury concerns within the squad and WILL come out on top at home to Marseille on Thursday in the UEFA Cup semi-final.

Craig Bellamy and Jermaine Jenas are out of the game, and midfielder Kieron Dyer is doubtful.  On the plus side howevever, Lee Bowyer has served his six-match European ban and will be available for selection.

Shearer is confident ahead of the game and said:

 "Being successful this season means winning the UEFA Cup AND finishing in fourth place in the Premiership and getting the last Champions League spot.

"That is what we are after and the next week will have a huge bearing on that.

"It is one of the biggest weeks Newcastle have had for years but, when you get to this stage of the season, you want every game to be big.

"This is where spirit will come into it. We have shown fantastic spirit lately, especially against Villa on Sunday. No one gave an inch after we went down to 10 men.

"It is a huge test of character and we are up to it."