Viduka To Prove He Is Fit To Wear The Shirt?

Last updated : 25 April 2009 By Footy Mad - Editor

Viduka has managed only seven appearances all season because of a troublesome Achilles injury, and is yet to find the back of the net.

Toon fans goaded him for his lack of commitment and he had to suffer chants of "You're not fit to wear the shirt".

Toon fans can tolerate mistakes, but NOT lack of effort.

Asked what the 33-year-old Australia international gives to the team, Shearer said: "Hold-up play. When the ball goes into him, more often than not, it will stick.

"That will give our players a chance to get up and support and make runs off him, knowing the ball will stick with him.

"We want all our big guns fit and certainly, Viduka is, Martins is, Michael Owen is. We want them all fit to give us options.

"Without doubt, they will be a tough nut to crack. Paul Hart has gone in there and done a really good job.

"They will certainly be a threat from set-pieces, but I believe if we look at ourselves and do it right ourselves, then we will have a big chance."