I’d made this fantastic move to Blackburn and scored all those goals and then suddenly I was out

I’d made this fantastic move to Blackburn and scored all those goals and then suddenly I was out of the game, lying on a table, and staring the end in the face.”It’s taken me a little time to work it out for myself, but I can now see what good such an experience has done for me. He immediately went about justifying the huge transfer fee by rattling in 22 goals by Christmas. Then, on Boxing Day, he damaged his cruciate ligaments and was out for the rest of the season.”I was lying on the physio’s table day after day thinking: `Why me?’ There were times when I wondered whether I’d ever play again or, if I did, whether I’d ever be as good again It was beginning to feel like a dream. Shearer accepts the views of others, then admits to a moment in his life when his whole attitude changed. “It seemed like my worst nightmare at the time, but looking back, being seriously injured has proved to be a blessing,” he admitted.To remind you of the facts, Shearer joined Blackburn from Southampton at the start of the 1992 season for pounds 3.6m.

I look at the facts of my life: I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do, I’m enjoying my life, and I’m being well-rewarded for it. I remember where I come from, and I’m the first to realise that pressure is being unemployed, with kids to feed and rents to pay.”These do not sound like the words of a household name who, according to some, had better start scoring goals for England and play for a club who should be winning cups. “I’m no mug and I know exactly who is snapping at my heels, but as long as I continue to contribute to England’s positive results, I am not too concerned.”Nor does he appear unduly bothered by the pressures of expectation resting on a still young man’s shoulders. The 25-year-old former British record signing finds the whole notion faintly comical.”You know, it makes me laugh when either the media or the players talk about the pressures of playing in the Premiership.

There has even been the suggestion that Terry Venables will experiment with Teddy Sheringham and Fowler on Wednesday night, leaving Shearer in the cold.Shearer, of course, knows this but he still appears relaxed about the threat posed by strikers hungry to take their chances with England in his stead. I’d be worried if I were missing loads of chances, but the truth is I’m not getting chances to either score or miss with. England play in a certain formation and, in terms of results, it’s proving to be pretty effective.”Shearer is widely recognised to be one of football’s nicer, better behaved men, a good replacement, if you like, for Gary Lineker. Surely, though, he must admit to a few selfish thoughts now and again.”If the result has gone our way, I think `great’ If I score as well, then that’s a big bonus It is exactly the same at Blackburn.