SIR ALEX LAUDS SHEARER

Ferguson, who failed to sign Shearer in the summer of 1996 when he instead opted to move from Blackburn Rovers to his boyhood idols Newcastle, praised the striker' determination to recover from serious injuries on a number of occasions during his career.

"I think you have to have a certain will about you to be able to overcome serious injury and Alan Shearer has shown that will," Ferguson said.

"I remember reading a report suggesting Shearer might have to retire when he was 28.

"I mean the guy could have retired then I suppose. But he has always made the effort to get back.

"He has had several long-term injuries and it isn't easy to keep coming back from those. It does have an effect upon you.

"The amazing thing about this latest situation is that he has done it at least twice before.

"He had the cruciate problem at Blackburn and then the ankle not too long after he signed for Newcastle."