Below is an context that describes a sql query, paired with an question that provides further information. Write an answer that appropriately completes the request.  # noqa: E501
### Context:
CREATE TABLE table_name_81 (matches VARCHAR, name VARCHAR)
### Question:
What was the total amount of matches for Alan Shearer?
### Answer:
SELECT COUNT(matches) FROM table_name_81 WHERE name = "alan shearer"