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KK explains forward's absence
Newcastle United, 10:01, August 7, 2008 ,
Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan left Alan Smith out of the squad which faced PSV because of injury and not because he is joining Everton.
The England international forward has been linked with a switch to Goodison Park 12 months after he arrived on Tyneside from Manchester United, but Keegan says there is no truth in the speculation.
Smith has an ankle problem and was omitted on Wednesday night for the 2-2 draw as a precaution which is in line with Keegan's policy.
"With Alan - he's got a sore ankle," said the St James' Park chief. "I haven't risked anyone in this game and I knew when I left him out it would cause questions, but he's got a sore ankle and I can't treat him any different to anybody else.
"You saw me bringing players off every time they get a knock. I haven't risked anybody, which I think is right and it's given me a chance to give some other people a bit of time."
Newcastle squandered a two-goal lead against their Dutch opponents after goals from Steven Taylor and Danny Guthrie inside the first ten minutes.