Alan Smith has made a 'play me' plea to Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew.

He last started a game a YEAR ago but Pards has told the player he does not want him to leave.

Smith, whose deal ends in the summer, told The Sun: "Whenever I've knocked on the boss' door to ask why I'm not playing he says 'I think you understand football enough to know why'.

"People can draw their own conclusions on what he means by that. I'm not injured and I'm fitter and hungrier to play than ever.

"I've never been told directly Newcastle want rid of me. I could have gone out on loan but the manager didn't want me to.

"If he said he wanted me to go I'd respect that but he hasn't. It's weird.

"He says he wants me around and even offered me a coaching role if I pack in playing but I'm too young for that.

"I have total respect for Alan Pardew and I know he has the same for me. But I just want to play."