Alan Shearer comments on Chris Wood’s start at Newcastle United

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Alan Shearer has praised the impact of Chris Wood, despite the Newcastle United striker’s lack of goals.

The 30-year-old joined Newcastle in January, becoming PIF’s second signing after Kieran Trippier. Wood arrived at St James’ Park for £25million after the club activated his release clause.

It looked like a great, albeit slightly expensive, deal at the time. He’s a proven Premier League goalscorer, and his arrival severely weakened relegation rivals.

Now Burnley are hardly relegation rivals for Eddie Howe’s side, with the Magpies going on a run that has put them nine points clear of the bottom three.

Wood played an important role in that run, but goals have been hard to come by. However, he did net his first Toon goal in the 2-1 win over Southampton last week. It was a wonderful header by the New Zealand international, connecting perfectly with Jonjo Shelvey’s cross.

The first goal was hugely important for Wood, but even without it he has impressed in a Toon shirt.

Alan Shearer praises Chris Wood impact despite just one goal

The Toon legend has spoken to the Chronicle, and commented on the impact Wood has had at St James’ Park.

“Chris Wood has been a part of that,” he told the Chronicle.

“He hasn’t scored as many goals as he would have liked or we would have wanted but what he has done well is created space for others to go into and take advantage of that.

“Hopefully between now and the end of the season he can go on and get a few more goals.”

Goals aren’t going to define Wood at Newcastle

With Callum Wilson yet to return to full training, the pressure remains on Wood’s shoulders to deliver the goals Newcastle need.

Not many chances are falling his way, which is why he’s only found the net once for the Magpies. It puts him on four goals in total for the season – six shy of the elusive double figures mark.

Goals will define how outsiders view Wood, but his overall performances have been well received by the Toon Army. As Shearer says, his work is bringing others into the game. That’s why we’ve consistently been able to score goals since he joined.

However, after finding the net against Southampton, Wood will be hoping to go on a decent goalscoring run. Hopefully he strikes again versus Everton before the international break.