Newcastle United midfielder Alan Smith has admitted his desperation at his lack of football this season.

The 31-year-old has not started a first-team game for over a year but has stated that Alan Pardew has not told him to leave.

"Whenever I've knocked on the boss's door to ask why I'm not playing he says 'I think you understand football enough to know why'," Smith told The Sun.

"People can draw their own conclusions on what he means by that. I'm not injured and I'm fitter and hungrier to play than ever.

"I've never been directly told Newcastle want rid of me ... I have total respect for Alan Pardew and I know he has the same for me. But I just want to play."

Smith spent three years with Manchester United before joining the Magpies in 2007.