The Queens Park Rangers striker is similar to the Newcastle United legend, according to the man who scouted him at 19.
Scout Ken Ryder, the man who unearthed Charlie Austin when the QPR forward was 19, has compared the 25-year-old to Newcastle icon Alan Shearer, according to the Shields Gazette.
Indeed, Ryder has urged Austin to join Steve McClaren’s side, believing them to be a ‘massive attraction’ for him.
And the scout also believes Austin is similar to Shearer in build, something that could allow him to score 20 goals a season at Newcastle.
He is quoted as saying by the Gazette: “I know Alan Shearer has come out and said Charlie should come up to Newcastle. Shearer was a one-off but Charlie has similar attributes with his build.
“He doesn’t score many goals outside the box but he knows where the goal is. He could carry that No 9 jersey and get 20 goals a season, which Newcastle haven’t had since Shearer left.”
Austin’s strengths and weaknesses
The QPR striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Magpies this summer and could certainly be the right man for the club. Where Andy Carroll has failed to live up to expectations at other clubs, the big target man thrived at Newcastle.
Austin could have a similar impact and, as Ryder says, is similar to Newcastle legend Shearer in build. He’s a brilliant finisher and, on form, can find the back of the net in a flash. Look away for a second and he’ll already be celebrating.
His disadvantage, though, is a weakness outside the box in terms of his sharpness and movement. It may also be appropriate, if considered harsh, to suggest Austin struggled with fitness occasionally last season. In certain games, his weight could be questioned, although that’s a criticism that can perhaps be aimed at QPR, as he looked significantly fitter on duty with England.
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