Shearer: Confidence is the key but my Newcastle strugglers haven't got any

28 April 2009 15:22
Alan Shearer has admitted Newcastle are suffering from a lack of confidence as they battle to beat the drop.[LNB]Newcastle struggled to break down Portsmouth in last night's goalless draw at St James' Park in a game Shearer had identified as key to their survival.[LNB]They now have just four games to save themselves and face a daunting trip to Anfield this weekend.[LNB] Close call: Mark Viduka (right) cries out in anguish after fluffing a chance against Portsmouth[LNB]'Confidence in football is a huge thing, winning football matches becomes a habit and losing football matches becomes a habit,' Shearer said.[LNB]'At the moment it's proving very difficult to get that elusive win. If we can get it then we'll go on a run, but it's proving very hard to win a football match.[LNB]'I think there will be three or four nervous teams come the last day of the season, we have to make sure we're still in there fighting and I believe we will be.[LNB] Head scratcher: Newcastle manager Alan Shearer (centre) and coach Iain Dowie (arms folded) look on during the 0-0 draw with Pompey[LNB]'We're disappointed not to get three points (against Portsmouth), I thought we've created enough chances to have won the game.'[LNB]Newcastle are three points adrift of safety, but with Hull and Sunderland themselves struggling Shearer believes the relegation places will be decided on the final day of the season.[LNB]'I don't know what's going to be enough to survive this season, I don't think anyone does the way this season's going. [LNB]'I think one thing's for sure, it will go right to the wire and I still believe there are going to be more twists and turns between now and the end of the season.'[LNB] Newcastle 0 Portsmouth 0: Owen bungles as Toon are left in drop zoneGutierrez injury blow adds to Newcastle woes as they battle against the dropNORTHERN EXPOSURE: Calamity Coloccini sums up Newcastle's woes on Shearer's sinking ship NEWCASTLE UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail