A STRIKER so talented he was heralded as "another Alan Shearer" has died of a heroin overdose.

John Courtney trained at Newcastle United's Centre of Excellence. But aged 18, the Magpies trainee began to dabble with heroin.

As a young striker, John was described by respected Magpies' coach and scout Brian Clark as "another Shearer".

But after getting addicted to heroin, John, of Losh Terrace, Walker, Newcastle, descended into crime and addiction.

He was found dead from an overdose on April 2 in his uncle's flat.

His mother, Angie, 46, said: "Everyone used to say how much of a talent he was, but he got into the wrong crowd and had his head turned by the drugs."

From the age of seven, John was training with Walker Central Boys Club, where Brian Clark recognised his huge talent.

As a 12-year-old he was taken to the Newcastle United school of excellence and was also coached by former assistant boss John Carver, who singled him out as one to watch.

His death came only two weeks after he was released from Durham Prison where he was on remand for a burglary charge.

His father, John, 51, said: "All I want to say to these dealers is what would they be thinking if it was their son or daughter they had to bury."

Mr Clark said: "If he had kept out of it and kept playing he could have been an Alan Shearer.

"It was the streets that made him a tough player and gave him the edge, but unfortunately it's the streets that have undone him."