FORMER Newcastle United hero Peter Beardsley last night fired a broadside at the PFA for choosing Paul Merson as a role model for young professionals.

United youth coach Beardsley is outraged that the PFA want the likes of one-time Middlesbrough forward Merson, a recovering alcoholic who also admitted to dabbling in drugs and having a gambling addiction, to help front an initiative aimed at steering the stars of tomorrow away from trouble.

Football's yob culture is again dominating the headlines.

And while Beardsley believes the scheme - backed by FA chief executive Adam Crozier - is well intentioned, he has serious reservations about the involvement of Aston Villa star Merson and Arsenal skipper Tony Adams, who was jailed for a drink-driving offence.

Beardsley is adamant that the likes of Newcastle boss Bobby Robson and skipper Alan Shearer would have been more appropriate choices.

"Personally, I think it's wrong,'' said Beardsley, a model professional in his day.

"Why use people who have committed misdemeanours? Why not use people like Alan Shearer, who has never had a problem?

"Use people like Bobby Robson - don't use the likes of Paul Merson.

"Why should he come and preach to my boys?

"The PFA have their own ideas, but I certainly wouldn't use the people who have been mentioned.

"Why not use players who have done nothing wrong? That would be fantastic.

"I'm respected in a way. People treat me like a king up here and that's something you can't buy. I appreciate it so much and enjoy it so much.''

Beardsley, speaking yesterday at the St. James' Park launch of Heroes - the Newcastle United Players' Association - added: "I made a lot of money out of the game, but it's the memories like captaining England and walking off after your testimonial with your children that nobody can take away from you.

"I played for Liverpool and won trophies, but to walk out of that tunnel here is a special feeling.''

Beardsley, meanwhile, yesterday insisted it isn't too late for in-form Shearer to come out of international retirement and spearhead England's World Cup bid.

But he is equally convinced that it won't happen.

Former England skipper Shearer quit the international game after Euro 2000 and underwent career-saving knee surgery last May.

But the 31-year-old striker has staged a staggering recovery and is enjoying his second best scoring run for the Magpies after netting in six successive games.

Beardsley believes that Liverpool's Emile Heskey is the one player who looks capable of taking over Shearer's old centre-forward mantle.

"Heskey is probably the only one we have of Alan's type, but he's only scored one goal for England,'' said Beardsley.

"I wouldn't be too worried about Alan going back in for England, but I don't think there's any chance of that happening. He's made his mind up.''

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