Tomasson scores against Senegal (Allsport).

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Ex-England skipper Alan Shearer insists that no-one at Newcastle has been surprised to see former Magpies misfit Jon Dahl Tomasson starring for Denmark at the World Cup.

Tomasson is currently second in the race for the Golden Boot after bagging four goals as Denmark powered to the top of their group.

The 25-year-old only scored that many in 35 games for Newcastle after arriving on Tyneside back in 1997.

But Shearer believes the player now bound for AC Milan from Feyenoord was just a victim of circumstances at St James' Park.

He told The Sun: "Jon Dahl was signed to partner me, but 10 days before the season began I picked up a major ankle ligament injury which kept me out of for months.

"Unfortunately, the lad was forced to lead the line in my place. Les Ferdinand had just left the club for Spurs and Jon Dahl was never that kind of forward. He prefers to play a more withdrawn role behind a target man.

"However, no one at the club then will be at all surprised by his performances since and his rise to fame with both Feyenoord and Denmark. He deserves his success and we knew he would come good. It was the right move at the wrong time - as simple as that.

"There were moments of brilliance from him but all he lacked then, as a young striker coming through, was the physical presence you need in our Premiership.

"He has worked on this, improving his strength on the ball, but there was never any doubting his ability.

"It was unfair to expect too much of him but he had a great attitude and never questioned the role he was forced to play."

Although wary of Tomasson's ability, Shearer does believe England will be favourites to go through to the quarter-finals on Saturday.

"I am confident we can get the better of Denmark, keep Tomasson quiet - especially with the form Rio Ferdinand is in - and win this game," he added.

"Denmark have already done so well but if you take their 11 against our best 11, then surely we have to be favourites to go through."

Shearer admits that, like many people, he has been especially impressed with the performances of Ferdinand as England battled through the 'Group of Death'.

"He has been massive in all three group games but his performance against Nigeria was the best yet," said Shearer.

"If Rio continues to go the way he is, he will undoubtedly prove his world-class status in this tournament.

"For me, his secret is his confidence. It shines like a beacon. And how he has loved the extra responsibility he is carrying on his shoulders in the defensive role he has under Sven-Goran Eriksson.

"His composure is immense and Rio has come up with all the answers to date.

"It's great to see how much he loves covering behind the whole back four. Clearly, it gives him the opportunity to demonstrate all the pace he has and how cool he is under pressure.

"When we were asked questions at the back by Nigeria's players, like their captain Jay Jay Okocha and teenage striker Julius Aghahowa, he always had the answers.

"On the rare occasion we did err at the back, he was a constant figure there covering, tackling, blocking and sweeping up.

"He looks so good, though obviously there will be more tests to come."