Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse has admitted that he is enjoying the pressure that comes with wearing the same number shirt as Magpies legend Alan Shearer.

Cisse inherited the number nine shirt when he signed for the club from Freiburg in January and claims that he is spurred on by trying to follow in Shearer's footsteps.

The Senegal international told Sky Sports News: "When I came, it was a big surprise that they had reserved the shirt for me. I just said, 'Wow!'. That's more pressure on me, but pressure in a good way, pressure which motivates me.

"[Shearer] is a footballing legend here at Newcastle, and I come from nowhere and get to wear it... At the moment, I am growing into it and I hope, God willing, to continue wearing it."

Cisse has scored 11 goals in 10 appearances since his £10m move to the club.

Written by
Callum Mulvihill