Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
EDDIE’S SHEAR TALENT
Nketiah honed his scoring skills by watching Shearer videos and now he wants to become a real trophy-winning hitman for the Gunners
EDDIE NKETIAH has vowed to get the goals for
Arsenal - having studied Alan
Shearer’s finishing powers.
Nketiah became the all-time record scorer for England
Under-21s this week with his 14th goal i n 1 2 g a me s , passing the mark held by Shearer and Francis Jeffers.
The 21-year-old was not born when Shearer reached that total in 1992, but has researched the England legend’s technique and watched clips of his game.
Gu n n e r s b o ss Mikel Ar t eta has given Nketiah chances this season, with nine appearances - mainly as a late sub in the league - which have brought two goals.
Th e y oungst er is hungry for more and said: “I’m looking to progress, improve as a player and become the best player I can be. Stay improving in each game. “I want to play as many games as I can for my club and my country. “I am grateful for the opportunities Mikel has given me so far and I will work hard for more.
“We have started the season well and have to build on this.
“I’ve started well and have to continue it. It’s early doors and I have to keep contributing. I have a lot more in me.
“I question myself day in day out and I’m focused on doing well and contributing more for my teams.
“I’ve seen a lot of clips of Alan Shearer playing. He was a great player, fantastic. He has the Premier League goal record, a phenomenal record.
“It’s an honour to be in and around his name with this. He is a great player and it’s an honour to break his record.”
Nketiah is also looking to be a hit for England at the U-21 Euros. The group stages will be held in
March and knockout rounds in June.
Aidy Boothroyd’s side have already sealed qualification, drawing 3-3 in Andorra last week and beating Turkey 2-1 on Tuesday.
Nketiah said: “As a group we know we could have done better over the two games. We want to be winning by a bigger margin. We made it difficult by being a bit slow or sloppy.
“We’ve two games to be ready for the finals. You have to be mentally tough. In my life I ’ve come through adversity. Things can happen in a game and not go your way.
“The chances fall to me and I have the pressure to convert, if not you get up and go again. Score or miss I will give myself the best opportunity to go again . I ’ve shown my mental strength.”