Alan Smith is determined to win back his place at Newcastle United.

The 27-year-old Yorkshireman went to see manager Sam Allardyce after being left out of the starting line-up for last weekend's 2-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at Reading following his one-match ban.

Smith, who had started the 10 matches before his suspension following his summer move from Manchester United, was devastated to find himself named only among the substitutes, and is hoping for an opportunity to prove his worth once again as Harry Redknapp's side come calling on Saturday.

He said: "I want to play every game - I didn't come here not to play.

"I feel I am good enough to play in this team and the manager knows how I feel. When you have been suspended and the team has won, you have to take it on the chin. You then have to get on with it, and it has only made me more determined to do well for Newcastle.

"Reading was disappointing but we have to bounce back against Portsmouth."

Allardyce had no problem with the former Leeds man knocking on his door to argue his case.

The manager said: "Most players come to see me when they have been left out, there's nothing new about that. That's life, that's part of your job. Each individual deals with disappointment differently.

"It is your job to deal with each individual as and when they come in to talk to you regarding their situation."