NOLBERTO SOLANO has admitted that talismanic skipper Alan Shearer will be the focal point of Newcastle United's ambitions tonight when they face Feyenoord in the Champions' League at St. James' Park.
Striker Shearer missed the Magpies' only other foray into Europe's premier club competition five years ago because of an ankle injury sustained in pre-season.
Newcastle began that campaign with their unforgettable 3-2 Tyneside triumph over Barcelona.
But by the time Shearer returned to fitness, Kenny Dalglish's side had been eliminated after finishing third in their group behind Dynamo Kiev and Feyenoord's Dutch rivals PSV Eindhoven.
Third place this time at least guarantees a place in the third round of the UEFA Cup.
Newcastle already have ground to make up after losing their opening Group E game in renewed opposition to Dynamo in the Ukraine last week.
But Peruvian winger Solano believes that 32-year-old Shearer, with four goals to his name this season, can hold the key to victory for Sir Bobby Robson's men against Feyenoord, who launched their challenge by drawing with Italian giants Juventus.
Craig Bellamy, easing his way back to fitness after a knee surgery, is Shearer's attacking foil, while Solano and Laurent Robert will be expected to supply ammunition from wide positions.
Solano said: "I'm confident that, if we can get the ball to Alan Shearer, he can be our match-winner.
"He's the man we all look to. With Craig Bellamy back in the side, we can play two ways: to the wings, and through the middle. It gives us all a boost to have Craig back.
"Even if we defend, we know if we knock the ball over the top of their defence, he's going to get to it most times with his pace.
"All of the time, our defence takes criticism.
"But it's mostly down to how we do in midfield.''
Solano is convinced that the outcome of both United's encounters with Feyenoord will determine their destiny.
"The Feyenoord games were always going to be the big ones - they will decide where we finish in the group,'' said Solano.
"I expect we'll need nine, possibly ten points to finish in the top two.
"But after the start we've had, maybe we should aim to win our three home games first.
"Feyenoord, like us, are a physical side, but also attack-minded. So I think the game will have goals.''
Both Solano and Robert were left out of the starting line-up in Kiev for tactical reasons.
Solano stressed: "I'm happy to be back in the manager's plans after Kiev.
"But he told me all along I would have a major part to play against Sunderland last Saturday and throughout in the Champions' League.''
Solano also insists the Geordie football public are centre stage in tonight's effort.
He said: "We all know how big this game is and we think the crowd can play their part.
"Feyenoord have noisy fans with a reputation, and we want our fans to be loud as well.''
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