Shearer raps Robson over bench duty

NEWCASTLE’S Alan Shearer has hit out at manager Bobby Robson for leaving him out of the UEFA Cup third round first leg tie against Norwegian side Valerenga.

Shearer was on the bench for the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw in Oslo.

“I was told on Thursday afternoon and I’m very disappointed, angry and, yes, surprised,” said Shearer “I’ve only played once in the last 10 days, so I don’t feel any different.”

Robson rested several key players, including Kieron Dyer and Laurent Robert.

However, Robson said he had one eye on Sunday’s Premiership match against Portsmouth.

“It was never my intention to play Alan,” said Robson.

“But we should see the benefit of it on Sunday.”

Newcastle went ahead in the match through Craig Bellamy, although the hosts equalised in the second-half.

“They were a different team in the second-half,” Robson conceded.

“They scored a fantastic goal and gave us a hard time. I’m afraid the tie is a long way from being over. ”