ALAN SHEARER has shown that friendship counts for little in Newcastle United's relegation fight by dropping Michael Owen for today's test at Liverpool.

Speculation has been rife throughout the weekend that Owen would not figure against his former club and Mark Viduka, Obafemi Martins and Peter Lovenkrands are the preferred choice of forwards.

It is a bold move by Shearer and one which further fuels the belief across the country that Owen's days as an England force are all but over.

The Newcastle manager has, though, been able to call upon Joey Barton in his starting line-up for the first time. Barton makes his first start since breaking a metatarsal at Manchester City in January.

Liverpool, who still have hopes of catching leaders Manchester United, will have to try to win without Fernando Torres.

The Spaniard is missing with a hamstring problem, meaning Dirk Kuyt will provide the threat up front alongside the returning Steven Gerrard.

LIVERPOOL: Reina; Arbeloa, Agger, Carragher, Aurelio; Benayoun, Mascherano, Alonso, Riera; Gerrard; Kuyt. Subs: Cavalieri, Dossena, Babel, Lucas, Ngog, El Zhar, Skrtel.

NEWCASTLE UNITED: Harper; Beye, Bassong, Coloccini, Duff; Smith, Butt, Barton; Lovenkrands, Martins, Viduka. Subs: Nolan, Guthrie, Owen, Gutierrez, Edgar, Carroll, Krul.