METZ
THE CABLES buzzed and the telephones hummed, the word was general all over Alsace Lorraine and the word was Alan Shearer.
As the world's most expensive footballer descended the steps at Metz airport yesterday he and the rest of the Newcastle United squad were greeted on the runway by French reporters and cameras inquiring whether Shearer would grace FC Metz's Saint Symphorian stadium tonight.
They probably received one of Shearer's stock Dalglishisms - "If I play I play, if I don't l don't" - although he had actually been more forthcoming than usual before take off.
"The reason I'm going over is to train. Just because Les (Ferdinand) has got injured doesn't mean I heal quicker."
Shearer, however, did not rule out completely the possibility that he might see some action barely one month after surgery on his groin. "You'll have to ask the physio and the manager about that. I'll be surprised if I play, I'll do well to play on Saturday."
Kevin Keegan gave an emphatic `no' to questions about Shearer starting but the Newcastle manager may find some intimidatory value in having Shearer on the bench. With Ferdinand not travelling Paul Kitson, who could not even make the substitutes' bench against West Ham, could be in for a recall.
As Newcastle have no reserve team, Kitson has played just over half an hour's football this season and nerves would be understandable - these are sizeable boots to fill. Alternatively Keegan may bring in a defender or midfielder and advance David Ginola alongside Faustino Asprilla.
This game, and the return leg, are fast assuming defining significance for Ginola who is desperate to regain a place in the French national squad and this is an opportunity to convince both Aime Jacquet, the French manager, and Joe Publique that he is a man rejuvenated.
Keegan, though firmly behind his man, showed a touch of concern. "David's very disappointed about being out of the French team and now has the chance to press his claims. But he must make sure he doesn't try to make it a one man show. He has become part of the overall pattern and he must make sure he plays a role in a top team show, that's what will impress people, including the people who matter."
Jacquet matters very much to Ginola but not to the point where the Newcastle winger is prepared, in his words, "to go round to his house, get down on one knee outside his front door and beg."
Doubly galling for Ginola is that Metz's dashing young star, Robert Pires, is widely perceived as the man who has replaced Ginola, even though the 23 year old only has three caps. Jacquet apparently sees "more potential" in Pires - his two goals in the away win at Auxerre lifted Metz to sixth in the table - and Ginola is mature enough to recognise Pires's talents.
