As a kid I always wanted to be a centre-forward. I wanted the buzz and thrill of scoring goals from an early age.

For me, Paul Scholes has been the best midfield player in the Premier League. By a mile. He has the lot. He scores and creates goals, he can pass the ball, he can head it, and rounds all this off with a competitive streak.

I would play in any number shirt for Newcastle United, but the No 9 at Newcastle is something very special and I've always wanted to wear it. I mentioned it to the manager, he mentioned it to Les and Les has been very kind and given it to me.

Newcastle fans never cease to amaze me. If there was a trophy for best supporters this lot would win it hands down every year.

One accusation you can't throw at me is that I've always done my best.

This is the better one. It's identical.

If people are going to write bad things about me because it makes news, I can brush it aside because I've had this for 10 years. I'm big enough and strong enough to cope with it. It's what comes with being Alan Shearer.