The Telegraph, April 1 2006

SHEARER IS A LEGEND, SAYS JOL

By John Ley

Martin Jol, the Tottenham head coach, yesterday described Newcastle striker Alan Shearer as a 'living legend'. Shearer, in his last season as a player, stands in Tottenham's way as they travel to St James' Park today seeking a win that can enhance their prospects of Champions League football.

"I think he is one of the few people who are living legends. Ian Rush is another, but normally you are not a legend until you die. Alan Shearer already is one."

Shearer extended his playing career for another season, and has taken advantage of another year by becoming the greatest goalscorer in Newcastle's history. His goal against Portsmouth in February was his 201st for the club, beating Jackie Milburn's record.

Jol believes Shearer is still performing well enough that, if he wanted, he could do a job for England in Germany this summer.

"I think if you told people tomorrow that he would like to play for England again you would consider it seriously. As a No 9 I don't feel there are many better players," he said.

"I wouldn't say he should still be playing for England because he has made his decision. But what I am suggesting is that if he said that maybe he wanted to have another go you would accept that he is capable, and he's not the youngest any more."

Jol favours an imposing target man and is expected to recall Mido, the burly Egyptian striker, to his starting line-up today.

"Mido is a different player to Shearer but he would probably say that he will be as good as him in 10 years' time," he said.

Tottenham received positive news yesterday, with the announcement of six-month pre-tax profits of over £4 million. The results, for the period ending in December last year, show a £3.4 million increase on the same period in the previous year.

Chairman Daniel Levy believes the figures put the club in a healthy position as a lucrative Champions League place beckons, but added: "Progress in the Premier League is being tempered by disappointments in the cup competitions."

Tottenham now have a policy of snapping up young talent, with winger Aaron Lennon among their major acquisitions, and Levy insists this approach will continue.