SHEARER ON RUUD

Last updated : 16 January 2003 By Editor
"Like me, he has suffered serious injury which kept him out a long time, at a
time when his move to Manchester United was going through, first time
around. It does take you a little time to regain your match sharpness when
you have been so seriously injured. But he soon looked as fit and as strong as
ever. He will get more goals inside the six-yard box than so many other
strikers. Don't knock it. I feel it is an ability in itself scoring from close in - it
takes a certain kind of bravery. Even when you think you have him shackled,
he is liable to get clear for that split second to score. He has many years left in
him - that must scare opponents."