Shearer's side are four points off safety with five games remaining

Newcastle boss Alan Shearer thinks the support of the St James' Park crowd could make the difference in keeping the Magpies in the Premier League.

The Magpies lie second bottom and host Portsmouth in a crunch clash on Monday, Shearer's fourth game in charge.

"The crowd can help play a massive part - they've turned up in their thousands for years and had nothing to shout about," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I'm asking them for three games this season to really really get behind us."

Of the Pompey game, the former England striker said: "Without a doubt it's a massive game for us.

"Everyone's aware of the importance of it, I want a fantastic atmosphere and the crowd to get behind us.

"I hope that the players can respond in the right way. I've asked the players for a response and hopefully I'll get one against Portsmouth."

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