Carroll idolised the legendary Toon hitman when he was a kid watching from the stands and as a ball-boy at St James' Park.

He even got to play for Shearer during the latter's brief spell as Newcastle boss, when he battled in vain to prevent their slide into the Championship.

And Carroll will always be grateful for the way Shearer inspired him to become a success as one of Newcastle's famous No 9s - and made him believe he could become the England centre-forward.

Carroll, 21, told SunSport: "Alan Shearer was my hero. I watched him play for Newcastle and wanted to be like him.

"He was strong, held the ball up well against defenders, was good in the air and on the ground. He had the all-round game as a striker and that's how I want to be.

"When he was my manager for a short time, he was always encouraging me.

"He used to do some individual sessions with me and you can't hope for a much better teacher.

"He gave me a lot of belief that I could do well in this game.

"I'd love to be as good as he was but, if I can achieve half of what he did, I won't be doing too badly either.

"I'm still learning as a striker, you don't stop doing that. People talk about what I can do in the air but there is more to my game than just headers.

"I can bring my team-mates into the game as well and I like to have a shot from inside or outside the box.

"I want to show the England manager and fans what I can do. I'm confident in my ability to score at international level.

"There were questions about whether I could make the step up from the Championship to the Premier League but I've done that and, now, I've got the chance to do it for England.

"Being centre-forward for Newcastle was something I always dreamed of but to be England's No 9 would be special. As a kid, it's what you wish for.

"Chris Hughton, my manager, and all the lads at Newcastle are the ones who have helped make this possible. We have a really good, tight-knit group and they were delighted when I made the squad."

Shearer scored 30 goals in 63 games for England before quitting the international scene in 2000.

And he is delighted that Carroll will get his chance to lead the Three Lions' line.

Shearer, 40, said: "Who is playing better than Andy? Nobody. Who is scoring more goals than him? Nobody.

"He's not the finished article but get him in there and let's have a look at him.

Advertisement

"We've seen the old guard for many years but now there is a bit of fresh blood coming along."

Carroll has a reputation for misbehaviour off the field but Shearer insisted: "You have to judge these guys on what they do on the football pitch.

"They are young guys with a lot of money and are going to have scrapes. We all make mistakes but you have to learn from them.

"Andy is something very different. He is big and strong and will hold the ball up.

"If you want to have a Plan B and want to go long, then there is nobody better than him.

"There aren't many players who can beat him in the air but you don't have to kick and rush with him.

"He has a decent touch, he will run into the corners and he will score goals.

"Carroll is the guy in form. He has come on in leaps and bounds over the last 18 months.

"I always knew he had talent but this has come a bit quicker than I thought it would."