ALAN SHEARER has given Adam Boyd a first-class reference on the eve of Hartlepool United's momentous play-off final by insisting: "That man can send you to the Championship."

Boyd has scored 29 goals in League One this season and his talent has attracted the attention of many top clubs, including Leeds, Liverpool and Sunderland.

As yet, no moves for the 23-year-old have materialised and he has the chance to make sure of a step up this summer by helping Pool defeat Sheffield Wednesday at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

Boyd has a fan in Shearer. The Newcastle United captain witnessed the prolific young striker grab both goals in the semi-final first leg with Tranmere after being told to watch the game by Jack Hixon.

Hixon, the man who spotted Shearer's ability at a young age, has been a regular at Victoria Park for a number of years.

"Jack has mentioned Adam Boyd to me for a while. He has scored 29 goals this season and seems to have the knack of scoring. Hopefully that will continue for him," said Shearer, who was speaking to Pool fan Paul Gough on MetroFM.

"His goals stand out in his play because he seems to be a scorer of great goals. But his movement and his touch are also great to watch.

"He seems to be comfortable on the ball with both feet and has an arrogance - which isn't a bad thing - and a confidence that he is not afraid to try things. He can certainly progress and hopefully that will be with Hartlepool."

North-East born and bred, Shearer has been delighted to see Pool flourish over the past seven years.

It was only in the 1998-99 campaign that Chris Turner saved the club from relegation to the Conference. Since then they have enjoyed five play-off runs in six seasons, plus a promotion from League Two.

Shearer said: "I hope they can get promotion. I think they can compete in the Championship but it will be difficult.

"It would be great for the club to have a crack at playing in a higher league. For everyone concerned with the club it would be fantastic.

"They have been doing well for a while now and only the chairman (Ken Hodcroft) knows the real reasons why the manager (Neale Cooper) left. It may not have been great timing but I wish Martin Scott all the best. What a thing to have on your CV - promotion to the Championship.