Shay on loyalty

With Alan Shearer having recently made the all-time goalscorer record for NUFC his own, the next major milestone worth focussing on is Jimmy Lawrence`s all-time appearances record of 496 games for the club. Shay looks set to break it next season, proving he`s injury free and, more prominently, if he`s still on Tyneside.

With rumours of player unrest rife and Spurs sniffing about him, the record breaking appearance doesn`t exactly seem set in stone yet. Shay said:

'I don't look at it (the all-time appearances record) too much, to be honest. I made my 450th appearance against Aston Villa, and I didn't know before the game. I always just look to the next game, given the injuries I've had in the last couple of years. You're one challenge away from never playing again, so I don't like to look too far ahead.

I'd love to get it, but if I don't get it, I don't get it. You just play and do your best for the club, and see where that takes you.

A lot of players' loyalties towards their clubs gets questioned, but I've been very happy from day one at this club. I just want to get the club back moving forward again. The fans, and the whole place, deserves to be back challenging again with the big boys at the top. We're a bit off that, and we need to get back there.'

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