Jenas believes Jeffers can be another Shearer

Jermaine Jenas is backing Francis Jeffers to continue following in the footsteps of Alan Shearer.

Jeffers, released by the England manager Sven Goran Eriksson from the senior squad to play in Tuesday's European Championship Under-21 qualifier with Turkey at St James' Park, justified his inclusion by scoring his 13th goal at that level on his 13th appearance, thus equalling the record set by the Newcastle captain, Shearer, who achieved his mark in 11 matches.

Shearer then went on to distinguish himself at senior level, scoring 30 goals in 63 appearances before eventually deciding to hang up his boots almost three years ago at the age of 30.

Although Newcastle's Jenas recognises Shearer and Jeffers are different in terms of how they operate up front, they do bear one distinct similarity.

"They are both very prolific finishers," said Jenas, who, like Jeffers, was drafted into the Under-21 side from the seniors by manager David Platt.

"Franny likes to go into the channels and make runs, while Al is more of a hold-up player and wins the headers. That's how he gets most of his goals, so there aren't too many similarities.

"But Franny's a goalscorer the same as Al. At the end of the day he takes chances. He's proved that and I'm sure he's got the ability to achieve what Alan did.

"Last night was a massive achievement for Franny. Alan Shearer is probably the best in the business, so it's a good little stepping stone for him."

Jenas may have initially been disappointed to be drafted into the Under-21s, but his performance in the 1-1 draw in Group Seven drew praise from Platt, who described the 20-year-old as "a colossus".

It remains to be seen which squad Jenas will next find himself involved with, given the Under-21s' desperate need for points. They are now struggling to qualify for the play-offs in November, three points behind the leaders Turkey and two behind Portugal.

Jenas was still happy to play for the junior side, particularly as the game was on his home turf. "It was special because I've never played at home with an England shirt on," he said.

"Franny and I both realised being in the full squad meant we would either be on the bench or in the stands. I don't know about Franny, but I'd rather be playing football. Just because I was in the Under-21s didn't mean I had a point to prove. Sven knows what I can do. He wouldn't have picked me in the full squad if he thought: 'I'm not too sure'.

"But it was good to play and do all right in front of him, and I'll be happy to be in either squad next time round.

"I'm happy to represent my country at any level, but whether I'm in the full or Under-21 squad, that's not me who decides. At the end of the day I'm not the manager, but whoever I get picked for, I'll be giving it 100 per cent."

Jenas can now concentrate on Newcastle's push for the Premiership title, although with seven matches remaining their task is an uphill one as they trail the leaders Arsenal by five points.

Jenas believes Newcastle still have a chance of lifting the crown. "We've some important games coming up," he said. "We've got to go to Everton this weekend and get a result, although we've shown we can go to places like that and get results.

"But if you look at anybody's fixture list over the last few weeks of the season, they are all important games remaining. People are fighting to stay up, win the league or to get into Europe.

"We're there or thereabouts, but I'm not going to say we can the championship. I think Arsenal are a great side and they are up there with Manchester United."