I DID THE RIGHT THING - SHEARER
The former England captain underwent a series of cortisone injections in a bid to cure the tendinitis in his knee, but the problem persisted and he had to have an operation on the Wednesday before Christmas.
Shearer`s initial decision to delay the operation prompted suggestions that he was causing his body long-term harm. However, the 30-year-old has denied this, claiming that he has had the best available medical advice.
Speaking in the News of the World, Shearer said: "It's a relief that the problem has been sorted out.
"I knew after my last game, against Derby, that I could not carry on any longer in such pain and that an operation would be needed.
"But I totally reject the idea that I was taking stop-gap measures in having the injections.
"There is no way I would sacrifice my future just to have got through a few extra games during this season.
"As usual, those people who are having a go are not in possession of the full facts.
"The injections I had were not in the tendon itself but in the inflamed area around it.
"Our two physios, Derek Wright and Paul Ferris, and everyone else at Newcastle have acted in their usual professional and thorough manner."
Shearer is likely to be on the sidelines until March, but he is happy with the outcome, adding: "The specialist who carried out the operation, Rob Gregory, is very satisfied with the outcome.
"He virtually rebuilt my ankle a few years back so I think he should know what he's talking about.
"He has cleaned out the knee and now it's a question of getting the flexibility back before starting to build up my training."
Meanwhile, The Magpies` Peruvian winger Nolberto Solano is reportedly close to signing an improved contract at St James` Park.
If he does commit his future to Newcastle, it will be a major boost to manager Bobby Robson, as Solano has attracted attention from clubs all over Europe.
