Shearer knows time is running out for relegation-threatened Newcastle

Newcastle legend and interim manager Alan Shearer knows time is running out for the relegation-threatened side after the 0-3 loss to Liverpool

Shearer knows time is running out for relegation-threatened Newcastle

Newcastle legend and interim manager Alan Shearer knows time is running out for the relegation-threatened side after the 0-3 loss to Liverpool

Yesterday's defeat left Newcastle three points adrift of safety with three games remaining, starting with the north-east derby at home to fellow relegation candidates Middlesbrough a week on Monday.

This loss was made worse for Newcastle by the sending off of Liverpool-born midfielder Joey Barton 13 minutes from time for a crude challenge on Spain's Xabi Alonso.

By then the game was up for Newcastle after goals from Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt had put second-placed Liverpool, now three points behind leaders Manchester United, well on the way to a victory which was topped off after Barton's exit when Brazil midfielder Lucas made it 3-0.

Shearer was not too downbeat, saying the games at St James' Park against Middlesbrough and Fulham would determine Newcastle's fate.

"Did anyone really expect us to come here and get anything?," Shearer told Setanta Sports.

"I did. We did in the dressing room. Maybe our fans didn't but they came out again in their thousands," the former Newcastle and England striker added.

"Whether we had enough to come here and win is a doubt but we felt we could come here and get something out of the game.

"Time is running out but we've still got two very important home games which will decide our fate, no doubt about that. The game with Boro...whoever loses that will find it very difficult to come back. But I believe we will get something from our next two home games."

Asked if Barton's lunge deserved a red card, a terse Shearer simply answered: "Yes. He has apologised but it's been done and he is out for the rest of the season."

And a clearly angry Shearer also restricted himself to just saying "Yes" when pressed on whether Barton had let him down.

Despite Liverpool's latest win, Manchester United, who have a game in hand, remain firm favourites to win a third straight Premier League title.

But Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said: "When you are in a position like this you know you have to do your job. We have to keep going."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels