Why Hound Smith Out Of St James' Park?

The England international scored in a pre-season friendly against Sampdoria a year ago, but has not scored for Newcastle since.

His lack of goals this summer, when he has been the main striker (due to injuries to senior players), saw him jeered by home supporters in Saturday's friendly with Valencia.

I have had my moments of frustration in the past, I admit, having vented my venom at the likes of Gibb, Cunningham, Riley, Stimson, ect. ... but does Smith deserve it?

Keegan: "Alan Smith is a Newcastle player and that's it.

"He covers in a lot of positions, is a great lad around the place - and whole-hearted.

"He may not always be the best player on the pitch, but no one will try harder.

"I'm not going to try and tell this crowd what to do. It's a very knowledgeable crowd.

"They're the first to cheer if a player scores a goal and sometimes they show their feelings.

"They've got every right to do that, they pay their money."

We have had some crap players at Newcastle over the years, many who couldn't give a toss! Marcelino, Maric, Albert and Dyer in recent years.

But does Smith really need this treatment from Toon fans?