Shearer sidelined for Birmingham clash

Newcastle skipper Alan Shearer was forced to sit and watch his side head into battle with Birmingham this afternoon after his comeback was wrecked by a fresh injury.

The 34-year-old, who has missed the previous nine games with a thigh strain, damaged a calf in training yesterday and was forced into another spell on the sidelines as manager Graeme Souness fielded the same 11 who lost 1-0 to Arsenal on Wednesday.