Shearer angry at Robson

Alan Shearer has admitted he was "angry" and "disappointed" after being rested for last night's UEFA Cup clash with Valerenga in Norway.

But manager Sir Bobby Robson defended his decision to leave Shearer on the bench as he looked ahead to Sunday's Premiership match at Portsmouth.

Shearer, 33, was one of three big Newcastle names, along with Kieron Dyer and Laurent Robert, left out of the starting line-up for the 1-1 draw in Oslo.

Shearer said: "Yes, I was angry and yes I was disappointed, but that's the manager's decision. I was only told about it in the afternoon. I have played once in the last 10 days and I don't feel very different from last season." The last comment referred to Robson's assertion that his captain was a year older than when he played a full Champions League campaign last season.

However, Robson has guided his side into fourth place in the league and wants to keep hold of the last Champions League spot.

He said: "I don't think I'm wrong at all. Valerenga played very well in the second half. If Shearer had been on the pitch, I don't think he would have stopped them playing so well. You have got to give credit to the other side. We will get the benefit of what we did, hopefully, on Sunday."