O’Driscoll hails Rhodes as ‘up there’ with legend Shearer

7:46am Monday 4th February 2013 in Football Photograph of the Author By Andy Cryer, Blackburn Rovers reporter

JORDAN Rhodes can be Blackburn Rovers’ new Alan Shearer, according to the man who saw his side downed by the striker’s double on Saturday.

The Rovers striker scored in each half to defeat Bristol City 2-0 at Ewood Park, with Robins boss Sean O’Driscoll full of praise for his main tormentor.

He said: “He’s clever, give him a chance inside the six yard box and I know who my money would be on. You’ve got mark him from a corner. He’s not the quickest, he’s just clever.

“I’ve watched him so many times, he almost feeds on scraps and he doesn’t get frustrated, which is his biggest plus for me.

“Sometimes he gets isolated completely but he’ll get a chance sooner or later and he maintains his concentration and level of performance and waits for the defender to drop off and pounces.

“Alan Shearer was the best I’ve ever seen at doing that and Jordan’s right up there with that. Alan just scored so many headed goals. He’s not that big, but he did the same thing, he waited for the defenders to watch the ball.

“Gary Lineker was the same, they know what defenders are going to do and do the opposite. You think: shouldn’t somebody be marking him?”

Blackburn Rovers boss Michael Appleton was also full of praise for his striker, after he took his tally to 19 goals for the season.

Appleton said: “He does it in training every day, in small sided games you tend to forget he is there sometimes and then all of a sudden he will smash one in the back of the net.

“The biggest thing about him is he is a level headed lad, he is wanting to improve, wanting to get better and listening to advice.

“When you speak he never takes his eyes off you which is someone who wants to learn and who wants to get better.

“It is a lot of money to spend but whether it is over the next 17 games or beyond, the ultimate goal is to get back in the Premier League and if his goals can secure that everyone will be delighted.

“When you bring a footballer into the club, there are a lot of things you need to weigh up. His age, experience, what he can give to you, has he got resale value and Jordan ticks all those boxes.

“It looked a good investment for the football club and hopefully over time it will be.

“He is a goal scorer and he will do that at any level. The higher level you go, the better players you will play with. “If you are one of those players who can score one in two chances, or better, you will always score goals no matter what level you are at.”

Comments (29)

8:05am Mon 4 Feb 13

Two Hats says...

He scores when he wants.......
He scores when he wants....... Two Hats

8:31am Mon 4 Feb 13

1952 rover says...

he is better than the bricklayer!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!
he is better than the bricklayer!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!! 1952 rover

8:56am Mon 4 Feb 13

Hovis1945 says...

He is a joy to watch, always watching the play ready to make runs, he stays very alert. I could hardly believe the first goal on Saturday, there seemed to be so many defenders in front of him but he spun and bang it was in the net.
Incidentally it was great toe see 'the worst supporters in the land' (according to southern press and fans) give Jon Stead a fantastice welcome when he came on.
He is a joy to watch, always watching the play ready to make runs, he stays very alert. I could hardly believe the first goal on Saturday, there seemed to be so many defenders in front of him but he spun and bang it was in the net. Incidentally it was great toe see 'the worst supporters in the land' (according to southern press and fans) give Jon Stead a fantastice welcome when he came on. Hovis1945

9:33am Mon 4 Feb 13

Road Runner Road Runner says...

An absolute pleasure watching Rhodes.

I was right in line of Rhodes first goal(EO4 Riverside) and it was sublime dancing his way to the strike through goodness knows how many players ? POW !

His second just awesome. Deadly !

His celebration(s) coming over to the fans is one to savior. Hero !

He scores when he wants ;-)

Arte et labore
An absolute pleasure watching Rhodes. I was right in line of Rhodes first goal(EO4 Riverside) and it was sublime dancing his way to the strike through goodness knows how many players ? POW ! His second just awesome. Deadly ! His celebration(s) coming over to the fans is one to savior. Hero ! He scores when he wants ;-) Arte et labore Road Runner Road Runner

9:53am Mon 4 Feb 13

Tamworth rover says...

Jordan Rhodes is having party
Jordan Rhodes is having party Tamworth rover

11:28am Mon 4 Feb 13

eddie the eagle says...

I havn't seen him live as often as I would have liked but he does seem to have what it takes and is deffinitly keeping Rovers in the hunt.however Shearer had it all his contribution was such that he would have got in the team if he never scored a goal,certainly something for Rhodes to aim for.
I havn't seen him live as often as I would have liked but he does seem to have what it takes and is deffinitly keeping Rovers in the hunt.however Shearer had it all his contribution was such that he would have got in the team if he never scored a goal,certainly something for Rhodes to aim for. eddie the eagle

11:38am Mon 4 Feb 13

ChrisDeBerg says...

eddie the eagle wrote:
I havn't seen him live as often as I would have liked but he does seem to have what it takes and is deffinitly keeping Rovers in the hunt.however Shearer had it all his contribution was such that he would have got in the team if he never scored a goal,certainly something for Rhodes to aim for.
Well you should get down the rovers instead of playing about in a swimming pool on a Saturday ;)

RTID
[quote][p][bold]eddie the eagle[/bold] wrote: I havn't seen him live as often as I would have liked but he does seem to have what it takes and is deffinitly keeping Rovers in the hunt.however Shearer had it all his contribution was such that he would have got in the team if he never scored a goal,certainly something for Rhodes to aim for.[/p][/quote]Well you should get down the rovers instead of playing about in a swimming pool on a Saturday ;) RTID ChrisDeBerg

11:44am Mon 4 Feb 13

Iiii1111 says...

Thats him sold then....anyone think this regime wont cash in on him?
Thats him sold then....anyone think this regime wont cash in on him? Iiii1111

11:55am Mon 4 Feb 13

fanny_tickler. says...

Iiii1111 wrote:
Thats him sold then....anyone think this regime wont cash in on him?
Quality player who can probably score goals in the Premier League so I'm sure he won't want to hang around with a mid-table Championship side. Correct, Venky's bought him with a view to profit from him, that's all.
[quote][p][bold]Iiii1111[/bold] wrote: Thats him sold then....anyone think this regime wont cash in on him?[/p][/quote]Quality player who can probably score goals in the Premier League so I'm sure he won't want to hang around with a mid-table Championship side. Correct, Venky's bought him with a view to profit from him, that's all. fanny_tickler.

11:59am Mon 4 Feb 13

Miss-You-Uncle-Jack says...

This guy is a legend already - he's just our little genius!! He's invaluable already, he's proved that week in week out, especially when he goes all game getting no service whatsoever and still manages to put them away. We need to make the most of him while he's ours because whilst I hope he stays if we don't get promoted, I can't see him resisting premiership footy next season. Hence why we need to sort out our midfield to get constant service to him.
This guy is a legend already - he's just our little genius!! He's invaluable already, he's proved that week in week out, especially when he goes all game getting no service whatsoever and still manages to put them away. We need to make the most of him while he's ours because whilst I hope he stays if we don't get promoted, I can't see him resisting premiership footy next season. Hence why we need to sort out our midfield to get constant service to him. Miss-You-Uncle-Jack

12:28pm Mon 4 Feb 13

hasslem hasslem says...

a bit early to start describing rhodes as shearer - and the only thing stuff like this hyperbole will lead to is a bid from a premiership club in the summer.

i think we all agree that rhodes is some player - but we want to keep him....not lose him. we paid enough for him (a quoted £8m) and having stepped up a division (terriers promoted via his goals last season) has proved he can score a league up. yeah, his transfer value will have gone up - but that is only worth 'ewt to our wonderful owners. you have to say that if zaha is worth £12m from palace to scumchester then rhodes must be worth at least that - but rovers fans would never see that money (samba, n'zonzi, jones, kalanic (and to a lesser extent hoilett).

yeah - love rhodes so far (man love - not real love) but let's keep a lid on the shearer comparisons - otherwise the likes of southampton might eventually get their revenge
a bit early to start describing rhodes as shearer - and the only thing stuff like this hyperbole will lead to is a bid from a premiership club in the summer. i think we all agree that rhodes is some player - but we want to keep him....not lose him. we paid enough for him (a quoted £8m) and having stepped up a division (terriers promoted via his goals last season) has proved he can score a league up. yeah, his transfer value will have gone up - but that is only worth 'ewt to our wonderful owners. you have to say that if zaha is worth £12m from palace to scumchester then rhodes must be worth at least that - but rovers fans would never see that money (samba, n'zonzi, jones, kalanic (and to a lesser extent hoilett). yeah - love rhodes so far (man love - not real love) but let's keep a lid on the shearer comparisons - otherwise the likes of southampton might eventually get their revenge hasslem hasslem

12:31pm Mon 4 Feb 13

hasslem hasslem says...

Iiii1111 wrote:
Thats him sold then....anyone think this regime wont cash in on him?
'Appy Clapper
[quote][p][bold]Iiii1111[/bold] wrote: Thats him sold then....anyone think this regime wont cash in on him?[/p][/quote]'Appy Clapper hasslem hasslem

1:14pm Mon 4 Feb 13

bburnrover says...

Shearer did it at the top level so unless we go up we will never learn if Jordan is up there with the mighty man.
Shearer did it at the top level so unless we go up we will never learn if Jordan is up there with the mighty man. bburnrover

1:31pm Mon 4 Feb 13

makaveli96 says...

Mrs D is after world domination!

She actually thought she was buying infrastructure to the middle east!

Shebby said she would own Jordans roads!!
Mrs D is after world domination! She actually thought she was buying infrastructure to the middle east! Shebby said she would own Jordans roads!! makaveli96

2:40pm Mon 4 Feb 13

JPainter90 says...

He's had barely any support from the wing and centre of midfield and yet still, one of the leading scorers. I'm sure he could do it at the top level. The only worry is whether that will be in the blue and white halves...
He's had barely any support from the wing and centre of midfield and yet still, one of the leading scorers. I'm sure he could do it at the top level. The only worry is whether that will be in the blue and white halves... JPainter90

2:53pm Mon 4 Feb 13

merlinrabbit says...

I thought his second goal was outstanding. He had at least three players on him and he muscled through and slotted that shot home so cooly. It's hard to know how good he is or will be because against premier league opposition, it would be harder to get those chances and defenders are higher quality. The football is noticably lower quality in this league. Same with Austin. It's easier for a decent striker to score against the opposition in this league. One thing if Rhodes carries on he wont be with us next season
I thought his second goal was outstanding. He had at least three players on him and he muscled through and slotted that shot home so cooly. It's hard to know how good he is or will be because against premier league opposition, it would be harder to get those chances and defenders are higher quality. The football is noticably lower quality in this league. Same with Austin. It's easier for a decent striker to score against the opposition in this league. One thing if Rhodes carries on he wont be with us next season merlinrabbit

4:45pm Mon 4 Feb 13

Is Eckersley playing? says...

There is no way Rhodes will be here next season if (when) they don't go up. Nailed on for a lower half Premier club will be in for him. Not quick enough for the top six. Don't get too excited about him. We did with Shearer and look how long he stayed around. The owners have blown it. We needed to go straight back up but all the shenanigans this season has contributed to us being too far behind top six to catch up. And if by some miracle we went up we would do a Burnley. No. Venkys will cash him in for £10-12 milllion, thats the reality.End of.
There is no way Rhodes will be here next season if (when) they don't go up. Nailed on for a lower half Premier club will be in for him. Not quick enough for the top six. Don't get too excited about him. We did with Shearer and look how long he stayed around. The owners have blown it. We needed to go straight back up but all the shenanigans this season has contributed to us being too far behind top six to catch up. And if by some miracle we went up we would do a Burnley. No. Venkys will cash him in for £10-12 milllion, thats the reality.End of. Is Eckersley playing?

5:25pm Mon 4 Feb 13

noddymcleod says...

Can we have a stop to this silly nonsense about players being "legends" ? Rhodes is a very good goalscorer in the Championship and he's been here for half season. If he goes on to score 30 goals each season for 3 seasons and wins us the Premiership (very unlikely, Rhodes might make it to the Premiership, but not us in any near future) then perhahs we can start to compare to Shearer. Shearer absolutely terrorised Premiership defences and created acres of space for others.
The nearest equivalent I can think of is Speedie - popping the goals in nicely at the second tier.
"Legends" should be reserved for Shearer, Dougie, Ronnie Clayton, Tommy Briggs etc. Yoiu demean the language with your exaggerations.
Can we have a stop to this silly nonsense about players being "legends" ? Rhodes is a very good goalscorer in the Championship and he's been here for half season. If he goes on to score 30 goals each season for 3 seasons and wins us the Premiership (very unlikely, Rhodes might make it to the Premiership, but not us in any near future) then perhahs we can start to compare to Shearer. Shearer absolutely terrorised Premiership defences and created acres of space for others. The nearest equivalent I can think of is Speedie - popping the goals in nicely at the second tier. "Legends" should be reserved for Shearer, Dougie, Ronnie Clayton, Tommy Briggs etc. Yoiu demean the language with your exaggerations. noddymcleod

6:33pm Mon 4 Feb 13

icannotrace says...

Is Eckersley playing? wrote:
There is no way Rhodes will be here next season if (when) they don't go up. Nailed on for a lower half Premier club will be in for him. Not quick enough for the top six. Don't get too excited about him. We did with Shearer and look how long he stayed around. The owners have blown it. We needed to go straight back up but all the shenanigans this season has contributed to us being too far behind top six to catch up. And if by some miracle we went up we would do a Burnley. No. Venkys will cash him in for £10-12 milllion, thats the reality.End of.
You harp on about Venkys cashing in but do you not think that if a PL club came knocking that Rhodes would actually want to go (or certainly his agent would}.

Saying that I don't think any were beating down the door in January. I think he's a good championship player but doesn't have that extra pace for the PL else someone would of picked him up before.
[quote][p][bold]Is Eckersley playing?[/bold] wrote: There is no way Rhodes will be here next season if (when) they don't go up. Nailed on for a lower half Premier club will be in for him. Not quick enough for the top six. Don't get too excited about him. We did with Shearer and look how long he stayed around. The owners have blown it. We needed to go straight back up but all the shenanigans this season has contributed to us being too far behind top six to catch up. And if by some miracle we went up we would do a Burnley. No. Venkys will cash him in for £10-12 milllion, thats the reality.End of.[/p][/quote]You harp on about Venkys cashing in but do you not think that if a PL club came knocking that Rhodes would actually want to go (or certainly his agent would}. Saying that I don't think any were beating down the door in January. I think he's a good championship player but doesn't have that extra pace for the PL else someone would of picked him up before. icannotrace

6:55pm Mon 4 Feb 13

rovertony says...

noddymcleod wrote:
Can we have a stop to this silly nonsense about players being "legends" ? Rhodes is a very good goalscorer in the Championship and he's been here for half season. If he goes on to score 30 goals each season for 3 seasons and wins us the Premiership (very unlikely, Rhodes might make it to the Premiership, but not us in any near future) then perhahs we can start to compare to Shearer. Shearer absolutely terrorised Premiership defences and created acres of space for others.
The nearest equivalent I can think of is Speedie - popping the goals in nicely at the second tier.
"Legends" should be reserved for Shearer, Dougie, Ronnie Clayton, Tommy Briggs etc. Yoiu demean the language with your exaggerations.
And Billy Eckersley, Simon Garner,Derek Fazackerley,Stuart Metcafe
[quote][p][bold]noddymcleod[/bold] wrote: Can we have a stop to this silly nonsense about players being "legends" ? Rhodes is a very good goalscorer in the Championship and he's been here for half season. If he goes on to score 30 goals each season for 3 seasons and wins us the Premiership (very unlikely, Rhodes might make it to the Premiership, but not us in any near future) then perhahs we can start to compare to Shearer. Shearer absolutely terrorised Premiership defences and created acres of space for others. The nearest equivalent I can think of is Speedie - popping the goals in nicely at the second tier. "Legends" should be reserved for Shearer, Dougie, Ronnie Clayton, Tommy Briggs etc. Yoiu demean the language with your exaggerations.[/p][/quote]And Billy Eckersley, Simon Garner,Derek Fazackerley,Stuart Metcafe rovertony

7:46pm Mon 4 Feb 13

Is Eckersley playing? says...

icannotrace wrote:
Is Eckersley playing? wrote:
There is no way Rhodes will be here next season if (when) they don't go up. Nailed on for a lower half Premier club will be in for him. Not quick enough for the top six. Don't get too excited about him. We did with Shearer and look how long he stayed around. The owners have blown it. We needed to go straight back up but all the shenanigans this season has contributed to us being too far behind top six to catch up. And if by some miracle we went up we would do a Burnley. No. Venkys will cash him in for £10-12 milllion, thats the reality.End of.
You harp on about Venkys cashing in but do you not think that if a PL club came knocking that Rhodes would actually want to go (or certainly his agent would}.

Saying that I don't think any were beating down the door in January. I think he's a good championship player but doesn't have that extra pace for the PL else someone would of picked him up before.
Oh, of course he would go, Ican. Can you think of any lower league player to refuse the Prem? A club in the top flight would be taking a chance on him, though. The bottom feeders Sunderland, West Brom etc would probably push the boat out and have a punt.
[quote][p][bold]icannotrace[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Is Eckersley playing?[/bold] wrote: There is no way Rhodes will be here next season if (when) they don't go up. Nailed on for a lower half Premier club will be in for him. Not quick enough for the top six. Don't get too excited about him. We did with Shearer and look how long he stayed around. The owners have blown it. We needed to go straight back up but all the shenanigans this season has contributed to us being too far behind top six to catch up. And if by some miracle we went up we would do a Burnley. No. Venkys will cash him in for £10-12 milllion, thats the reality.End of.[/p][/quote]You harp on about Venkys cashing in but do you not think that if a PL club came knocking that Rhodes would actually want to go (or certainly his agent would}. Saying that I don't think any were beating down the door in January. I think he's a good championship player but doesn't have that extra pace for the PL else someone would of picked him up before.[/p][/quote]Oh, of course he would go, Ican. Can you think of any lower league player to refuse the Prem? A club in the top flight would be taking a chance on him, though. The bottom feeders Sunderland, West Brom etc would probably push the boat out and have a punt. Is Eckersley playing?

8:29pm Mon 4 Feb 13

kazluvsrovers says...

Lets just enjoy him while he is here!!
He is wearing the blue and white shirt at the moment and definitely earning his wage not like some deadlegs we have had playing for us.
Give him a break he is a humble young talent and I for one am proud of him
and glad he signed for our club...
Lets just enjoy him while he is here!! He is wearing the blue and white shirt at the moment and definitely earning his wage not like some deadlegs we have had playing for us. Give him a break he is a humble young talent and I for one am proud of him and glad he signed for our club... kazluvsrovers

9:03pm Mon 4 Feb 13

noddymcleod says...

Quite right Rovertony - all players with seasons of commited service - I know Shearer doesn't quite fit that catagory, but his time with us was absolutely outstanding and won us the Premiership. The youngsters are too influenced by the hype of the celeb culture !!! I get more than p...d off when the billboard says "Rovers Star" and I buy the paper only to find out it's some bit part player who hasn't established himself fully in the first team.
Quite right Rovertony - all players with seasons of commited service - I know Shearer doesn't quite fit that catagory, but his time with us was absolutely outstanding and won us the Premiership. The youngsters are too influenced by the hype of the celeb culture !!! I get more than p...d off when the billboard says "Rovers Star" and I buy the paper only to find out it's some bit part player who hasn't established himself fully in the first team. noddymcleod

10:01pm Mon 4 Feb 13

Angry From Accrington says...

Those of us who watched Shearer week after week, chasing, fighting, tormenting, will know that Rhodes, promising as he may be, is no Alan Shearer.
Those of us who watched Shearer week after week, chasing, fighting, tormenting, will know that Rhodes, promising as he may be, is no Alan Shearer. Angry From Accrington

12:03am Tue 5 Feb 13

owd nick says...

He reminds me more of Lineker than Shearer, Shearer was stronger, more powerful.

Rhodes weakness is he lacks pace, but his big advantage is just like Lineker's, between the ears.
He reminds me more of Lineker than Shearer, Shearer was stronger, more powerful. Rhodes weakness is he lacks pace, but his big advantage is just like Lineker's, between the ears. owd nick

3:58am Tue 5 Feb 13

Roverthere says...

Sorry to say it, but I doubt if he will be with Rovers next season. It's a pity we screwed up the first half of this season, he would have been great for a promotion challenge, but won't be around when we really need him for next seasons push!
Sorry to say it, but I doubt if he will be with Rovers next season. It's a pity we screwed up the first half of this season, he would have been great for a promotion challenge, but won't be around when we really need him for next seasons push! Roverthere

4:00pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Fan@clared says...

1952 rover wrote:
he is better than the bricklayer!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!
Really? who has scored more in the league then? Can you manage to get on site that will show you the goal scorers n the Championship? I so have a look And the bricklyaer has been out for a while!!!
[quote][p][bold]1952 rover[/bold] wrote: he is better than the bricklayer!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!![/p][/quote]Really? who has scored more in the league then? Can you manage to get on site that will show you the goal scorers n the Championship? I so have a look And the bricklyaer has been out for a while!!! Fan@clared

4:00pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Fan@clared says...

1952 rover wrote:
he is better than the bricklayer!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!
Really? who has scored more in the league then? Can you manage to get on site that will show you the goal scorers n the Championship? I so have a look And the bricklyaer has been out for a while!!!
[quote][p][bold]1952 rover[/bold] wrote: he is better than the bricklayer!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!![/p][/quote]Really? who has scored more in the league then? Can you manage to get on site that will show you the goal scorers n the Championship? I so have a look And the bricklyaer has been out for a while!!! Fan@clared

10:22pm Tue 5 Feb 13

modan says...

Rhodes can't be compared with Shearer.Shearer was world class player not even Rooney cannot be compared with Shearer.Shearer was one of the best out out striker in the world.He was strong and ability to hold the ball up and his headers were class and strong shots.
Rhodes has not been tested in Premier league.Will he make it in the top league ?
Rhodes should watch Alan Shearer old Vedios and learn from this great Rover's legend'.
Rhodes can't be compared with Shearer.Shearer was world class player not even Rooney cannot be compared with Shearer.Shearer was one of the best out out striker in the world.He was strong and ability to hold the ball up and his headers were class and strong shots. Rhodes has not been tested in Premier league.Will he make it in the top league ? Rhodes should watch Alan Shearer old Vedios and learn from this great Rover's legend'. modan

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