Newcastle United boss Alan Shearer insists he hasn't frozen out January signings Kevin Nolan and Ryan Taylor.

Shearer delivered a snub to Toon manager Joe Kinnear by axing the pair - signed for a combined £7million from Bolton and Wigan in January - for the 0-0 draw against Portsmouth which leaves the third-bottom Geordies facing the drop.

Neither player made the bench on Monday, while Alan Smith was picked in midfield.

But Shearer insists the duo can muscle their way back into his plans for the crucial final four games.

Shearer said: "There will be other chances for them. Alan Smith gave us everything in midfield and fully justified his selection. We just wanted to try something different."