Alan Shearer calls out Yoane Wissa decision as Newcastle icon suggests he skip AFCON

Newcastle United hero Alan Shearer believes Yoane Wissa needs to demonstrate “loyalty” towards the Magpies after injury has ruled him out for an extended period

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer believes Yoane Wissa showed poor judgement by turning out for his country during September’s international fixtures. The 29-year-old is still waiting to pull on a Magpies shirt after missing most of pre-season before picking up a knee problem whilst on duty with DR Congo in September.

Wissa hasn’t even trained with his new team-mates yet following his £50million switch from Brentford on deadline day. The striker sat out the majority of pre-season sessions with the Bees as he pushed for his switch to St James’ Park.

Newcastle icon Shearer thinks Wissa should now put his new employers first ahead of the forthcoming Africa Cup Of Nations, scheduled for Morocco in December and January.

“It will be a really difficult decision for Wissa not to go to AFCON because you always want to represent your country,” Shearer told Betfair.

“But what I would say is, because of him not training or playing during the summer, he could’ve shown more responsibility in not playing as much as he did in those two games when he went away on international duty and hadn’t played at all.”

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He added: “But it’s really tough to say to someone they can’t and won’t represent their country when it means so much. And we know AFCON is huge and players want to play in that tournament.

“It’ll be a tough ask, but I understand that there’ll be a lot of people thinking that he’s never played for Newcastle and he needs to show some loyalty towards us.

“I get it and understand that point-of-view because Newcastle shelled out a lot of money on him and he hasn’t been able to take to the St James’ Park turf as yet. It’d be a really tough decision for him and Newcastle. Whether there’s a way around it, I’m not so sure.”

Following additional evaluation earlier this month, Wissa isn’t anticipated to recover in time for his previously expected comeback, which Magpies manager Eddie Howe had suggested would be for the away fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend.

The clash against West Ham on November 2 could now be a possible date for his comeback, though. “Yoane saw a specialist again for a check-up on his knee,” Howe revealed at the beginning of October.

“We probably think now it’ll be eight weeks rather than six. No recurrence or problem, just slightly longer.” After putting pen to paper with Newcastle, Wissa revealed that he was eager to get going.

“I’m really happy to be here and to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League,” he told the club’s official website after signing.

“I’m very excited to put on the black and white shirt. I’ve got dreams, I’ve got faith and now I will do my best to make it all happen. I can’t wait to get started.”

Whilst it hasn’t been the perfect beginning for club or player, Howe was evidently thrilled with Wissa’s signing. “Yoane is a player who we have admired for some time and we’re delighted to have him on board,” he said.

“He brings proven Premier League quality, demonstrated not only by his goalscoring output but also the crucial work he does for the team.”

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