Shearer: Darren Bent could be a hit for England

Alan Shearer has backed Darren Bent to be a hit with England and give Fabio Capello a selection headache over his strikers.

The ex-Newcastle and England legend reckons Bent can force his way into the group of five strikers Capello is likely to take to South Africa by proving his worth against Brazil.

Bent, 25, is the Premier League’s top English scorer and bumped into Shearer recently at a restaurant opening in the North East - and Shearer gave the Sunderland star words of encouragement.

Shearer, who scored 30 goals in 63 England appearances, has been impressed by the way Bent has settled at the Stadium of Light and says he will go to the World Cup if he takes his chance in Qatar on Saturday.

Capello seems certain to take Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defore, Peter Crouch and Emile Heskey if fit. That leaves Bent and Gabby Agbonlahor as the prime rivals for the final berth.

Shearer said: “Bent has had a great start at Sunderland. I spoke to Steve Bruce about him as well and he has been very impressed with him. He is scoring goals, his movement is excellent as demonstrated by his run for the penalty at the weekend... we won’t mention the penalty!

“If he gets his chance, good luck to him. I met him recently and just asked him how it was going and how he has settled. He was happy to be getting regular football and it has also helped that he is up there [in attack] with Kenwyne Jones. They seem to have really hit it off in a way myself and Les Ferdinand did a few years back.

“I am not saying that Sunderland team is as good as ours was, or as attack minded, but they have something similar. They are both decent in the air, quick and a real handful. If they can get the right ammunition Sunderland can have a good season.

“The most important thing on  England duty is trying to score. Forwards are judged on goals. He has scored this season and people are talking about him. You don’t get many chances at England level but when you do you have to take them and I hope he does.

“When I spoke to him he seemed a nice guy, level headed and genuine. He said he loved it up here. It is important he is doing that. It must be difficult coming up here from London and settling in straight away. It looks like it has clicked and he is happy in his life.

“Rooney will go, Defoe, Crouch probably as he is another option, and maybe Heskey. There are three or four players vying for one or two places and Darren is one of them. Carlton Cole and Michael Owen will also be vying, and there will be Theo Walcott, too.

Bent, who has eight goals for Sunderland, is hoping to earn his fifth cap this weekend, a year after his last appearance in the friendly win over Germany.

Alan Shearer was speaking at the launch of "A Knight to Remember" a special DVD containing exclusive footage of Sir Bobby Robson's final interviews and tributes to his life. Priced at £17, proceeds go to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

To make a donation, view messages of support, or for more information on The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, please visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk or donate by sending a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton NE7 7QG.

Tim Healy, Kevin Whately and Jimmy Nail’s version of Blaydon Races is free to download from the charity’s website www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk and anyone who wishes to make a donation in return can do so.