ESPN Star

Shearer backs Terry's leadership

31 January 2010

John Terry is "a fantastic leader", according to a former England captain as a debate rages about his future role with the national side.

The defender returned to work at Turf Moor and headed a late winner in the 2-1 win against Burnley after allegations of an affair with an ex-girlfriend of former team-mate Wayne Bridge were made public.

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti says there is no question Terry will continue to wear the armband and claims the player has the backing of the whole club.

However England boss Fabio Capello is yet to show his hand and state whether such a controversial character will remain skipper amid a growing clamour for him to be relieved of the role.

Former Newcastle striker, turned BBC pundit, Alan Shearer knows what is like to have that honour.

He said: "We do not know all the facts, so it would be wrong to suggest anything. What I do know is that John Terry is a fantastic leader and a very good footballer.

"I do not know him him as a person - I have just played against him. Only John Terry and Fabio Capello will be able to tell in the coming weeks if it (the allegations) affect the captaincy."

Alan Hansen believes Terry could still be skipper when England make their bow in the World Cup in South Africa.

"That would not surprise me," said the former Liverpool defender.

"I think Fabio Capello will assess the situation and make a decision in the next 10 days to a fortnight.

"If footballers have indiscretions, managers of club and national sides will back them depending on their value to the team."

Terry had the last word against Burnley when he got on the end of a corner from Frank Lampard to keep his side at the top of the table.

Shearer was impressed with the way Terry went about his business and said: "Performance wise, he was spot on.

"Everything that was asked of him, he did in a professional manner. He also scored a very good goal."

It was a cruel blow for Burnley and in particular manager Brian Laws, in his first home match.

Steven Fletcher had scored a superb equaliser when he turned Alex in the area after Nicolas Anelka opened the scoring following an incisive move.

Ancelotti insists Terry is helping raise the club's profile.

The Italian coach said: "The professionalism of John Terry improves the image of the club. I am a manager and only want to speak about his work. He is a fantastic professional.

"All the club, the players, management and staff are supporting him and his family at this time."

Assistant manager Ray Wilkins added: "John is a fantastic professional as far as the footballing side of his life is concerned. He has done so wonderfully well for us."

Laws has suffered four straight defeats since replacing Owen Coyle as Burnley boss but is convinced his side can stay up.

He said: "If we continue to play in that vein against the teams around us we will win games. The important thing is not to lose your belief or composure.

"We showed Chelsea too much respect in the first half then got at them and scored the equaliser.

"A point would have been a bonus against a side at the top of the league. However we can take a lot of positives from this performance."