FA clear up Shearer confusion

Shearer was all smiles during training

England captain Alan Shearer had an "anti-inflammatory" injection on his knee injury before flying out for Euro 2000, the FA has revealed.

FA media relations manager Steve Double released a statement to underline that the injection was not pain-killing treatment, which is often used to mask injuries and help players get through matches.

The statement confirmed Shearer had received the injection after consultation with his club Newcastle United and independent medical specialists.

"The injection followed his scan. Such treatment is standard practice," it continued.

The injection followed his scan. Such treatment is standard practice

FA statement

"To ignore such medical advice would have been illogical."

Shearer earlier insisted he was fit and raring to go after coming through a strenuous training session on Saturday morning.

The England skipper has been struggling to overcome a knee injury suffered in the friendly in Malta last week.

But he took part in a full 11-a-side team workout at England's Spa headquarters before declaring himself fit for the Portugal game.

Precaution

Shearer said: "I'm fully fit. I trained this morning - and it felt fine.

"As long as there is no reaction then everything should be fine for Portugal on Monday.

"I did not realise it would take so long before I could start training again but I had a scan as a precaution and it was just a matter of rest."

Asked about Monday's clash with Portugal, Shearer said: "It'll be sensible to be cautious probably for the first 20 minutes or half-an-hour to try and suss the game out, but I expect that is exactly what they are thinking as well."

Alan Shearer goes through his paces in Spa

The former Blackburn striker has failed to find the net in the last six internationals, but has a formidable record in major tournaments which has always brought the best out of him. And he still believes in himself.

"I get on with my own game, I have confidence in my own ability and people around me have confidence in me as well which is very important.

"I think it was 96% wanted me out last time (at Euro 96) and there was only 75% wanted me out this time, so I must be doing something right."

Shearer has started every one of Kevin Keegan's 13 games in charge of England and the coach is confident that run will continue.

Suffer

"The injury is not serious. He feels fine and very upbeat, but it has got to be a joint decision between me, him and the medical staff," said Keegan.

"You can't leave anything up to the players because if they were carrying a little bit of an injury they would probably say they were okay to play."

Keegan had earlier insisted that he had no intention of replacing Shearer in the squad with another striker and believes his captain will bounce back.

"If he said he needed another 24 hours then that would be fine. Because of the player he is and what he means to us, we would give him that time," said Keegan.

Meanwhile, bookmakers William Hill have cut the odds on England winning Euro 2000 from 9-1 to 8-1 following a flood of money from patriotic punters and the news that Shearer is fit.