Is anyone as worried as me about this? Aapparently he's having an x-ray this afternoon....

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2000

Answers

Yep

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2000

First I've heard, and, yes, it's a worry. It'll have the munchkin gloating - let's hope the meedja give him as fair a crack of the whip as they give Shearer, if he slimes his way in.

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2000

if he is thn it's Heskey in, has to be...

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2000

Shearer's knee good, I hear from contacts in Sunderland

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2000

This is exactly why he SHOULD NOT be playing for England. He'll struggle on with a weakened knee, overcompensate and end up with a more serious injury. It can only be to the detriment of NUFC, if he plays, whatever the physios say.

COME HOME NOW ALAN!

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2000

I agree with yer there, Dread.

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2000

Shearer knee latest: Euro2000-Shearer hopeful after knee scan ROTTERDAM, June 8 (Reuters)(DS) - Captain Alan Shearer has had a scan on his injured knee but is confident he will be fit to play in England's opening Euro 2000 match against Portugal on Monday. "I had a scan this morning just as a precaution to see if there's anything in there," Shearer told Sky Sports. "We'll wait for the results and take it from there. I don't think it will be a problem." The striker came off during Saturday's friendly against Malta after falling hard on his knee. Coach Kevin Keegan said he was not worried about the injury, adding eight England players had had scans this week. "The technology is there and we use it. But I think he will be fine. He's confident and we're confident. We will know in the next day or two," Keegan said.

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2000

>>>>>>The technology is there and we use it<<<<<<

and on the very positive side, with so many scans and X rays around, if the lights go oput, they will be able to see each other glow in the dark!

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2000

Radioactive Man? Ai Caramba!

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2000

Yes I'm very worried - but for NUFC, not England.
KK should be garotted for playing him in that bloody meaningless game in Malta - does he never learn anything?

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2000

This suggests all clear ... Interesting that Keegan says he will give Shearer til kick off on Monday to prove his fitness. Different to his approach to Andy Cole.

England arrived at their headquarters in Spa on Thursday with coach Kevin Keegan insisting striker Alan Shearer was fit to start Monday's Euro 2000 opener against Portugal. Earlier Shearer underwent a scan on a knee ligament injury sustained in Saturday's 2- 0 victory over Ukraine but Keegan said it had revealed no problems. "It's fine, all clear," said Keegan. "He will definitely train tomorrow." That training takes place at the La Fraineuse centre, less than a mile from the team's luxurious hotel, in wooded hills above the town. The FA selected the hotel and the town partly for the peace and quiet it offers although local worthies did their best to give the squad a warm welcome. After arriving by coach, the players mingled with a group of schoolchildren, who had been lined up with military precision more than an hour earlier. Among the youngsters' replica shirts the red of Belgium was outnumbered three to one by that of Manchester United - and once again it was David Beckham who got the biggest cheer when he stepped from the bus. Beckham prompted another rapturous cheer when he opened his room's French windows to wave to the crowds below in true royal style. "Welcome England - We cross our fingers for you," said a banner hung outside the hotel. Shops, offices, bars and houses in Spa hung the flags of Belgium and England side by side. Famed for its spring water and more recently its Grand Prix - wich takes place a few miles down the road at Francorchamps - Spa seems to be enjoying its time in the limelight, without the attendant risk of England's notorious fans. England's first game against Portugal on Monday is at Eindhoven, more than 100 km to the north and across the Dutch border. Charleroi, a similar distance west, faces the unenviable task of dealing with England v Germany and then England's final game against Romania.

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2000

There are now suggestions on the news wires that AS had a problem with his knee after the Ukraine game. It appears that he went into the Malta game with a slight knee problem that was then exacerbated during the game when he landed awkwardly on it.
If this story is true, it is an absolute disagrace that he was allowed to play when not fully fit in a game he should have been rested from in any event. Simply unbelievable.

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2000

What is KK thinking of? Shearer's knees are already so buggered that you don't ponce about playing him when he's not fit. Jesus. I'm pnaic- stricken now.

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2000

Ugh. If he hasn't been fit enough to train the last few days, can't train before Monday, then he should be left out. Yes, England needs him, but he'll be no use to anyone if he further exacerbates an injury by playing on it. Least of all to NUFC.

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2000

There was a bit on TV tonight of the squad at their hotel - AS was definitely limping very slightly.

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2000

The discreet hospital staff say that he was as miserable as sin and said that "he didn't know whether he'd play but that he wanted to..." For what's it's worth, Shearer has so many pins in his legs, that a scan may thro wup just about anything. I've had bad vibes about Shearer for a while: I really hope he thinks of his longterm career and the Toon.

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2000

Honestly can't believe he's thinking about his long term career. He's already made it clear this is his last chance in an England shirt and he'll be out there on one leg if he's picked.

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2000

Apparently, he watched forlornly from behind one of the goals as the others played a game of 8 aside but did manage a short, gentle run. I am a pessimist (I can almost hear Softie's sides splitting), but I have real cruciate fears running through my blood at the moment. At Blackburn, the doctors were so crap that he played on with his cruciate for about 6 weeks before sneaking off to see a specialist about it.

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2000

Stop it man all of yers this is not a healthy discussion and is giving me a stomach ache , f*** it , if he doesnt playt in EURO 2000 my interest will wain from 0 to 0 ... incidentally the bet at the bookies is 3-1 for England not to win a game .. canny odds so ive bet on it , now who's the pessimist !

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2000

He did the same thing for most of our training sessions last season. Played through the pain-barrier most of the season. Didn't seem to stop him when the occasion merited his presence. He'll be fine. Every week on Thursday or Friday 'Shearer missing from training ground - allegedly working indoors' - every Saturday or Sunday 'At number 9, Newcastle and England Number 1 ALAN SHEARER!!!'. He'll be fine.

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2000

Aye, but he has allegedly been "suffering from tendonitis for some time".

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2000

Dougal man , Softie convinced me there , now you go saying things like that , will you ever learn ; - ))

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2000

Sorry, it's just an entire season without a Shearer injury equals more luck than we are used to...

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2000

The basic problem is that everyone knows that there is nothing left to say. All the preparation games are over. The press have firmly come out and said that we aren't going to win anything. They have nothing left to do now but pray for the players to get pissed tonight or for violence to break out amongst the fans.

Best thing that could have happened with these vultures leaving themselves nothing to write about. They've villified the manager, slagged off the skipper and pleaded for him to be dropped and forecast humiliation, and now that they've made all these predictions they have to sit back and wait to be proved wrong. Each of them is waiting with slitted eyes like a Mexican standoff to see which of their competitors will be first to break a positive story so that they can all gun him down with examples of what he said all this week.

F***ing hilarious really. They've seized on Shearer's scan because the fact that another 7 players have had them after picking up strains and knocks would make their headline: "Shearer has Routine Scan" and that would never do, so by only printing part of the truth it can instead become the far more provocative: "Shearer claims that scan is routine". Gasp! Stick another #200 on my bar tab Gaston!

They are slime Dougal, slime. Don't let them get to you.

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2000

It may well be wishful thinking, but seeing Shearer limping slightly, and whistling in a forced manner looked to me like he was having a big wind up at the media's expense.

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2000

I think AS is one of the subtlest p*ss takers known to man. That's why every interview he gives makes it sound as if he hasn't a humourous (humerus ?) bone in his body. He's taking the p*ss

Didn't see it, but I'd love to think in similar circumstances I'd have the presence of mind to stick it up the meeja scum by limping and 'whistling in a forced manner'.

Give them one - no - give them as many as you like, for us on Monday Mr Shearer, if you please.

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2000

I hope you're all right and this is some kind of grand press wind-up on Big Al's part. If so, then KK is in on it too. Just heard a snippet of interview with him saying that if Shearer isn't able to train on Sunday morning, he will not be picked for the Portugal game. I'd love it(just love it) if Shearer runs out on Monday sticking 2 fingers up at the press box :-)

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2000

Can't imagine Kev wanting to keep the Portuguese guessing :-)

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2000

I wouldn't: I'd prefer him to come home right now in case he gets injured even more seriously. You can see the press writing the reports now "Keegan, man who ruined Shearer's career by bringing him to SJP when he could have gone to Man United ends his career by playing him when injured and he had FOUR other strikers who were fit and could have played instead." Sorry, I'll go home nooo. THe press REALLY get to me.

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2000

So Dougal. Which games are you going to see? Shearer will play - probably no more than 60 mins on Monday and be subbed when we're ahead.

Mr Positive.

Now - I've just reminded mesel'. Dunn why, but I remended mesel' aboot Rodney Marsh. Heard on TV this week that he and Sir Alf didn't get on well (understatement). Anyway, Ramsey is alleged to have said "If you don't play well in the first half, I'll pull you off at half time". To which, Rodney repled "Christ. We only get tea and a slice of orange at half time at Maine Raod".

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2000

There's no cute wind up I'm afraid. The Journal this morning reports that AS has had this knee problem for over a month now, and played in the Toon's final few games with it!!
I find the cavalier attitude with which massively important playing assets like AS are handled simply unbelievable. Let's face it our last few games were totally meaningless, and the last three England games will have told KK nothing about AS as a player, or in truth how he would link up with the 'others'. For him to have been allowed to play in ANY of these games while carrying a knee injury simply beggars belief.
Even now, KK is saying the final decision about whether he is fit to play v Portugal is up to AS himself. The very clear implication here is that KK is preapred to ignore medical advice if AS fancies "giving it a go".
I just find it all incredible and unprofessional.

-- Anonymous, June 10, 2000

Football 365 reckons Al was in full training this morning, scoring a hat-trcik in 5 minutes in a fullscale practice match.

SKIPPER Alan Shearer was back in full training today as England began the final countdown to their opening Euro 2000 match against Portugal in Eindhoven.

The Newcastle striker has been struggling for fitness since it came to light last weekend that he has been suffering from a knee injury.

The 29-year-old player went for a scan in London on Thursday before England flew out to their training headquarters in Spa.

He had to be content with a few gentle workouts on Friday - but today took part in a full-scale practice match at the end of training.

Shearer looked to be moving freely and uninhibited and at one stage scored a hat trick in the space of five minutes. A final decision has still to be made on whether Shearer will start England's opener in 48 hours.

But the signs this morning were certainly more encouraging for a player regarded as pivotal by England coach Kevin Keegan to his side's hopes of glory.

Although having more than his fair share of critics, Shearer still remains England's most potent threat and is top scorer during Keegan's reign with six goals.

He has failed to find the net in the last six internationals but has a formidable record in tournament play which has always brought the best out of him.

His combined tally for Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup is an impressive seven goals in nine matches - and England need him to reproduce that kind of fire power if they are to sustain a challenge for Euro 2000 honours.

-- Anonymous, June 10, 2000

hhmmm!

-- Anonymous, June 10, 2000

What's up Clarky? Forgotten the words?

-- Anonymous, June 11, 2000

I'm still p*ssed Screach that AS has played in all these meaningless games when he has this knee injury.
It transpires that AS has tendonitis in his knee, and has had a anti-inflammatory injection to hopefully help settle it down. This is presumably an injection of cortisone, which is a very powerful inflammatory.
I would really appreciate the opinion of a medical man - Dr. Bill where are you? - as to how serious this could be. I do know from personal experience that cortisone has to be used very sparingly as it can soften the tendon and make the situation worse. I suspect rest is probably the only cure for the problem - which is not what Toon fans want to hear, and makes decisions to continue playing him with this condition even more crass. and irresponsible. Tossers!

-- Anonymous, June 11, 2000

Typo alert - cortisone, of course is a powerful ANTI-inflammatory!! Sorry, but I've become a little 'inflamed' over this situation.

-- Anonymous, June 11, 2000

They were at pains to say that it wasn't cortizone, which is principally used as a pain killer, and from the effect it had on friends of mine who had to take it he would swell up like a balloon in a couple of days' time, so it's singularly ineffective as an anti- flammatory agent.

I'm really not too concerned myself, as he was like this most of last season, and the fact that he didn't take time out to rest, but simply had a reduced training regime, leads me to think that he just accepts his condition as going with the territory of all the operations he's had. Probably find that if he stops for a bit his joints will cease up altogether.

Anyway, sheet-metal workers' sons don't need rest any more than miners' sons need retirement :-)

-- Anonymous, June 11, 2000

Why should he risk a fingernail for the England muppets?

-- Anonymous, June 11, 2000

Softie,
As someone who has just suffered 24 months with a very painful 'frozen shoulder', which is caused initially by inflammation of the nerves in the joint, please believe me when I tell you cortisone is a very powerful anti-inflammatory. The associated reduction in pain levels is a result of the reduction in inflammation, and as you suggest takes a little time to be realised.
I don't of course know what anti-inflammatory was used on AS, but cortisone is the one most commonly used. As I said earlier the problem is that it effects the tendon by softening and weakening it, so doctors are very reluctant to administer more than 3 injections. That may be why they're using something else on Alan.

-- Anonymous, June 11, 2000

I think the worry is that, Cortisone or not, anything injected directly into joints etc can't be good for a player. However, if he has been taking anti-inflammatories orally for a few weeks, then his end of season performance becomes more remarkable. Bear in mind that he barely played for Blackburn prior to Euro90 co she didn't want to bugger up his chances. Shows how much he loves the Toon that he did take the risk.

-- Anonymous, June 11, 2000

Sounds like we're near the point of needing a dash of freezing cold water in the mush to bring us back down to earth. Howway. So he's got a few aches and pains. Bliddy hell, we've all got aches and pains, but that doesn't make us want to hoy the towel in.

I'm sure that if there was the slightest risk that it could end up as some sort of career threatening injury, Keegan wouldn't play him. A.S. ain't no dork - he'd pull the plug if Keegan didn't.

Then there're all the medics and physios. Nobody can convince me that Shearer and Keegan are ignoring any input that goes against him playing.

So howway, lads and lasses, just lie back and think of England.

-- Anonymous, June 12, 2000

In spite of all the criticism, everyone seems happy that he is now likely to play. Its one thing to criticise him, but its a bit more frightening when they imagine England without him.

-- Anonymous, June 12, 2000

Clarky, just shows how little I know! I had friends with dodgy joints and the like when I was a kid, and they used to have to take cortizone (which I understood was a steroid) which tightened their ligaments up but made them balloon up around the face - a bit like David Mellor. Sadly misinformed but took it as Gospel because I was young enough to believe everything I was told. Still, rumours abound that the England camp are considering sueing the journo-slime who claimed it was cortizone they gave Al, which can't be a bad thing.

-- Anonymous, June 12, 2000

YBR said on ITV last night that he was fully aware of the treatment AS was getting and had told Keegan that he trusted the England folks to do the right things for Al. He certainly didn't come across as the concerned club manager.

-- Anonymous, June 12, 2000