Former Saints striker Alan Shearer believes his record as the all-time leading goalscorer in the history of the Barclays Premier League could come under threat from Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney.

Shearer, who won a Premier League title in his time at Blackburn, scored 260 goals during his top flight career, putting him 73 clear of second-placed Andrew Cole.

But the ex-England captain believes Rooney has the ability, and the time, to challenge his record.

"I really think Wayne could challenge that 260-goal mark," he said.

"If he continues in the rich goalscoring form he's in right now, he'll get close."

Rooney has currently amassed 143 Premier League goals which puts him ninth on the list of all-time scorers, but Shearer reckons he can reach the very top.

"Wayne hasn't always looked like a natural goalscorer, but then I struggled for regular goals in the first few years of my career too, and he's still only 26.

"If he can steer clear of serious injuries - I had three which cost me more than two years of my career - for the next few years, he's definitely got a chance."

Shearer has been nominated for the best goal and best celebration at the upcoming Premier League 20 Seasons awards and is also on the shortlist for the best player gong, something he feels should be awarded to one of two of Rooney's Manchester United team-mates.

He said: "I'm delighted to be on the list of course, and it was a great privilege to play with and against so many great players in the Premier League.

"It's a tough question to answer - but to my mind it would have to be a choice of two men: Ryan Giggs or Paul Scholes.

"I've got to say, Scholes is the best player I've played with and against; he's got absolutely everything that a midfielder needs.

"Playing with him for England, you knew that when you made a run, the ball was going to come at you with precision nine times out of 10, and there's not many players who can do that."