An achilles problem has so far prevented the Socceroos striker from featuring under Shearer but the new manager says the forward is giving his all to get himself back on the pitch.

Newcastle travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday and Shearer believes a fit Viduka has a part to play in keeping relegation at bay.

Shearer told the Northern Echo: "I didn't think there was a chance of him being fit until I came in but I think Mark is another one that is showing great desire.

"A fit Mark Viduka would be massively important. He, along with Michael Owen and Oba Martins at this stage last year when they were playing together up front, they were the main reason we got out of trouble last year.

"We are aiming to get Mark fit and out on the pitch for an hour or so."

Viduka's future at Newcastle has been the subject of considerable speculation with his current deal expiring at the end of the campaign.