Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer picks out the key Chris Wood component added to Eddie Howe’s armoury

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer believes Chris Wood’s influence has been a key component in the Magpies’ recent surge out of the Premier League relegation zone.

Wood has only netted once since arriving for around £25million in the January transfer window.

However, Shearer believes former Burnley and Leeds United forward Wood’s presence has allowed others around him to shine.

“The team is in a much better place now and Chris Wood has played his part in that,” said Shearer.

“He hasn’t scored as many as he would have liked, but he has created space for others to take advantage of.

“Hopefully between now and the end of the season we can see him go and get a few more goals.”

While Newcastle United are not yet safe, Shearer believes Howe has his team within touching distance of securing their top flight status for next season.

And much of that, according to Shearer, is due to the transformative impact of ex-Bournemouth boss Howe.

“Eddie has done an amazing job from where we were. We struggled at first to get the results, went out the FA Cup. But the transformation of some of the players has been remarkable,” he said.

“They are not safe but look like they will be playing Premier League football next season - and I was not comfortable saying that in December and January.”

While Wood only has one goal at United, Shearer still stands as the club’s record goalscorer with 206.

In total, the Newcastle No.9 netted 260 Premier League goals for Southampton, Blackburn Rovers and the Magpies - and to honour that achievement, he’s being honoured at a special 260 Dinner at St James’ Park, hosted by our own editor Liam Kennedy.

“I can't wait. I have been to a few games recently, the atmosphere is back, it is like what it was when I was playing,” said Shearer ahead of the event.

“The ground is buzzing, Wor Flags do a tremendous job, everyone is singing, everyone is happy, before, during and after because of the results we've been getting.

“I am looking forward to mixing with all of the fans again, it will be a great night. We will have a few drinks and have a great night, I'm sure.”

Tickets for the event can be purchased by clicking this link.