Shearer still confident of Premier League survival

Apr 5 2009 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

ALAN SHEARER insists he has lost no confidence in Newcastle’s survival prospects despite a dismal start to life as United manager.

The Magpies’ new boss remained upbeat after his celebrated return to St James’s Park fell flat with a 2-0 defeat by Chelsea.

The result leaves Newcastle now three points adrift of safety, with victories for relegation rivals Blackburn and Stoke making Shearer’s rescue mission even tougher.

But the United legend, while admitting his side cannot afford to repeat the mistakes which cost them yesterday, saw enough to suggest survival is well within reach.

And although Shearer was convinced Michael Owen was robbed of a legitimate goal by a linesman late on, he is not making excuses.

“I’m optimistic and still confident – and my players are – that we can avoid the drop,” said Shearer.

“It was always a very hard task, and it still is. We’ve seven games left now instead of eight, but a few more days to work and prepare with the players will benefit everyone.

“One game in football is a long time, and we’ve got seven to go. There will be many twists and turns before the season is out.

“But we know we are in a fight, and we’ll give it a fight.”

And fight was the operative word, with Shearer adding: “I don’t think there were any complaints effort-wise, but we can step up in quality, and I’m sure we will.