We'll keep fighting insists Shearer

Apr 28 2009 By Mark Douglas, The Journal

ALAN Shearer has pledged Newcastle United will carry on fighting for survival despite suffering another setback in their relegation battle.

United’s boss saw his remodelled forward line of Michael Owen, Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins miss a chance each as his side stuttered to a goalless draw against fellow strugglers Portsmouth last night in the first of three ‘must-win’ home games.

Shearer was desperately disappointed afterwards – but maintained that the point earned could turn out to be the difference between staying up and tumbling into the Championship if results fall in United’s favour in the coming weeks.

Newcastle will be at least three points behind the magic 17th spot when they travel to Liverpool on Sunday – Shearer wants his team to still be alive and kicking when they travel to Aston Villa at the end of May.

Reflecting on a frenetic night when he gambled on fielding all three of his heavyweights up front, Shearer was at a loss to explain how they had not managed to take one of the trio of glorious opportunities that came their way. "I’m disappointed we haven’t take three points - for 65 minutes we forced the game without any success in front of goal," he said.

"I can’t fault the effort or commitment – I asked for them to start from the first minute and they did that.

"We created enough chances to win the game, that was pleasing. But it was ironic, the three players I wanted up there all got one chance but they didn’t score from them.

"I don’t know whether that’s going to be a good point or a bad point. What I can guarantee is that there will be a lot of twists and turns before the end – we have to stick in there and keep fighting, and we will. Four games in football is a hell of a long time.

"We’re relying on other people. Results went for us, apart from Blackburn. It’s going to be a tense end of season but we’ve got to make sure we’re still in there fighting by the last game of the season."