Shearer factor can save us says Gutiérrez

Apr 21 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

He added: “We have three home games and they are very important. We need to win next week against Portsmouth. We need all the three points because we are in a very difficult situation and we want to leave this league position behind.

“The final matches for us are going to be very difficult. No team is going to make it easy for us, but all we can think about is the next match, nothing else, because we have to win this game.”

Meanwhile, Shearer has demanded there is no sense in self-pity on the United training ground this week as he looks to ensure morale is as high as possible ahead of the Portsmouth game.

The Magpies have plenty of time to dust themselves down before that crucial clash and Shearer is determined to keep spirits high – despite the growing sense of trepidation on Tyneside.

He said: “There is no room for feeling sorry for ourselves. We have to go to work and try to get three points against Portsmouth – and it starts now.

“I understand why the fans are deflated. We’re exactly the same. We fully intended to go to Tottenham and get three points out of the game, but it hasn’t worked out that way.

“My thoughts are now on Portsmouth and trying to win that game.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle centre-back Steven Taylor will today have a scan on his ankle injury after limping out of the Premier League defeat to Tottenham.

The 23-year-old, who picked up the problem against Arsenal last month, returned to the side after two games out but was replaced at the half-time interval at White Hart Lane.

“He’ll have a scan on Tuesday so we’ll know more then,” said Shearer.