Smith doubt adds to Shearer's concerns

Newcastle boss Alan Shearer is sweating over the fitness of midfielder Alan Smith ahead of Monday's crunch relegation showdown with derby rivals Middlesbrough.The 28-year-old returned to the starting line-up after a long injury lay-off for the 0-0 Barclays Premier League draw with Portsmouth and retained his place for Sunday's 3-0 defeat at Liverpool.Shearer, still looking for his first win as manager, said: "Alan Smith is going to be touch and go."He took a blow to the thigh (at Liverpool) and that's bled inside, so it is going to be touch and go whether he is fit."Newcastle, who are without the suspended Joey Barton, are, together with Boro, three points adrift of Hull and safety.

Source: Eurosport