After suffering an injury-plagued season, and with former boss Joe Kinnear seemingly unimpressed with the Australian striker, Viduka appears to have been given a new lease of life by Shearer.

With Shearer also praising Viduka in the aftermath of a win which could could prove vital to United’s hopes of beating relegation, the veteran forward hopes his future is at St James’ Park.

“I would love to spend some more time at this club,” said Viduka.

“That’s my personal thing. I would love to have good times here, and with Alan Shearer as a boss, this club has a lot of potential.

“I have been here for two years and we’ve had five managers. I would say to whoever is in charge, keep Alan for as long as he needs.

“The fans love him, he is Newcastle through and through, he is a big personality, people respect him and the players respect him.”

Viduka feels he is finally being given the support he needed from Shearer which was lacking with Kinnear, and he is now repaying that faith.

“When I had problems with my Achilles, I worked hard to get back, but Joe Kinnear didn’t look like he wanted to use me,” added Viduka in the Sydney Morning Herald.

“When Alan came in, the first thing he said to me was ’Are you up for a fight?’ and I am always up for a fight. I said ’Definitely’.

“I’m a massive fan of Alan’s. I admired him as a player, we play the same position, and when someone with his personality and what he has done in the game comes and says ’I need you’, it lifts you.”