By Lee Ryder, The Evening Chronicle


Alan Shearer's understudy Michael Chopra has tipped his captain to smash yet another record - this time in the FA Cup, (writes Lee Ryder).

The former England skipper celebrated what is expected to be his last ever third round tie by firing home the winner against Mansfield Town to go level with Wor Jackie on 200 Toon goals.

The winner against the Stags also put him just two strikes behind Jackie Milburn, who leads the way in the FA Cup for Newcastle United with 23 goals.

Chopra, who is still waiting for his first domestic goal in black and white, feels that Shearer is an expert at breaking records and said: "He's done it so many times, and (on Saturday) he equalled the record. He's also just two behind in FA Cup goals and I'm pretty sure he'll break that.

"He's worked so hard all his life, and he's shown if you do that you can achieve things."

Chopra also underlined the importance of Shearer's winner against Mansfield and feels that progress in the cup is everything for his side now this season.


He added: "We're in the fourth round and that's the important thing. Mansfield came here with nothing to lose and all the pressure was on us, especially after what's been going on in the past few weeks.


"They've put us under a lot of pressure and we managed to keep them at bay.


"As the game's gone on, we've managed to get on top and the best team's come through at the end.


"Alan's got us in the next round with a bit of magic."


Chopra's current United deal expires in the summer but the former England under-21 international made his 21st Toon appearance against the Stags on Saturday.


The striker almost celebrated his first goal late in the day but was denied after veteran keeper Kevin Pressman kept out his effort.


He said: "I was sitting on the bench, and I just wanted to be out there playing football. I just thought to myself, if I could get a goal here it would be a dream come true.


"I nearly scored - I thought it was in. I was ready to run into the Gallowgate as it would have been my first goal at home.


"It wasn't to be, but the main thing is that we're in the next round."