Shearer Will Now NOT Return vs Pompey

By Matthew Jones
December 10 2004

Alan Shearer will now NOT be named in the starting line-up for Newcastle United's home game against Portsmouth at St James Park this weekend. It was believed that the Magpies skipper would return to action following a thigh injury, but his comeback has been put on hold.

Shearer was due to return to action this weekend, but his comeback has been put on hold as he has not fully recovered - and with the striker having already missed four matches, Souness does not want to risk him.

Patrick Kluivert is also a doubt for the game, having sat out training for several days with a hamstring injury.

Souness knows that he needs Shearer to be fully fit soon and said: "For the last eight or nine years, you talk about Newcastle United and you talk about him.

"His presence is enormous both on match days and every day in training. He is the standard-bearer.

"His goals record speaks for itself. I have gone on record as saying I think he is the greatest English centre-forward of all time."

Shola Ameobi is set to partner Craig Bellamy.