Source: Eurosport
Shearer: Forward Trio Are Key
Newcastle boss Alan Shearer will consider unleashing Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka in a three-man attack to save the club from Premier League relegation.
Viduka returned from almost two months out with an Achilles problem in the defeat to Tottenham at the weekend, with Shearer's men struggling to create chances until the Australia striker and Martins came off the bench.
Martins was back in the squad following his groin injury and Shearer is now looking to link his three frontline strikers ahead of the must-win game against Portsmouth next Monday.
"We are certainly a bigger threat with those on the pitch than without them so it's something we can work on," Shearer said. "If we can keep them fit in the week and get a good week's training, we face Portsmouth and it's a game we need to win.
"They'll all be in contention to start. If all three strikers were available it's an option but we've got to get them all fit to start the game."
Jose Enrique, the only left-back in Shearer's squad, could be back to face Pompey, while Steven Taylor picked up an ankle problem at Spurs and was taken off at half-time.
He was replaced by Alan Smith, who made his fourth appearance of the season and is now determined to play his part in Newcastle's bid for survival, having fallen four points adrift.
"I've been injured eight months and it takes a while," Smith said. "I spoke to the manager when he came in and he said he wanted me to be a big part of this squad.
"I've played a few more reserve games since he came in and I feel good. I want to be part of this squad and try and help Newcastle stay in this division. It's been frustrating having to watch the lads and not been able to help them."
Newcastle head into the Pompey game without a win in eight matches and part of the problem has been the goals drying up for Owen, but he has been backed to fire the club to safety by Spurs defender Jonathan Woodgate.
Woodgate, Owen's former team-mate at Real Madrid, said: "He's a top player - he'll score goals for any team he plays for.
"We were at Real Madrid together, so I know just what sort of quality he's got."
Woodgate added: "I want Newcastle to stay up. I'm sure they'll get out of it, but it's not going to be easy for them.
"They've got attackers in abundance. I'm sure it'll be a different style with all the passionate Geordies behind them. I'm sure they'll pick up the points."
Meanwhile, Magpies defender Sebastien Bassong wants to ensure survival to repay the club for giving him his big chance in England.
"Newcastle means a lot to me and I don't want the club to go down in my first season," he told the Newcastle Chronicle. "They gave me a great opportunity in the Premiership, so it's very, very important for me to help Newcastle stay in the league.
"I think we can still win this fight - we have to. Everyone believes that we can do it."
