Substitutions Changed Game - Shearer

ALAN Shearer admits that the introduction of Jonas Gutierrez and goal hero Andy Carroll helped to swing the game in Newcastle United's favour during Saturday's 1-1 draw at Stoke.

The Magpies were trailing to Abdoulaye Faye's first-half header when the pair were brought on to add some "attacking energy" to the Geordies' search for a equaliser during the final half hour.

And the gaffer's changes paid off as Carroll soared to head an 81st-minute leveller to claim a much-needed point for the Geordies.

Shearer said: "The aim was to add some attacking energy when we brought Andy and Jonas on.

"We gambled a little bit and tried to go in there with a little bit more pace and power and it's paid off.

"But I think the players, particularly in the second-half, have shown me what they've shown me in training all week.

"And that is that they can pass is around, demand the ball and be brave going forward.

"The subs did help to change the game in our favour but we've now got to take that performance from the final half hour into our remaining six games."