PORTSMOUTH, England (AFP) - Portsmouth missed a chance to close the gap in the race for a UEFA Cup place as they were held to a goalless draw by Newcastle on Saturday.

Harry Redknapp's side could have moved into within two points of fifth-placed Everton with a win at Fratton Park but they were forced to settle for a drab stalemate that left them four points behind the Toffees.

Redknapp had been close to joining Newcastle before Kevin Keegan returned for his second spell in charge but, with his team in the FA Cup final, the Portsmouth boss has few regrets.

Newcastle can have few complaints either as Keegan continues to lift them clear of the relegation zone. After going nine games without a win, Newcastle are now unbeaten in five matches and should finish in mid-table.

Portsmouth striker Jermain Defoe returned after missing the last two matches, while Newcastle defender Steven Taylor was back from illness.

The visitors tested David James twice in the opening moments as Obafemi Martins and Geremi tried their luck with long-range effort but the England keeper was equal to both.

Keegan once again deployed Martins, Michael Owen and Mark Viduka in a three-man attack but it was Spanish defender Jose Enrique who threatened next.

He evaded two challenges on the left to cut in and fire over from the edge of the penalty area in the 10th minute.

James almost gifted Newcastle another chance when he charged out of his area to clear, only to completely miss his kick. Luckily for James no Newcastle player was able to take advantage.

Martins' speed and power made him a constant danger and he ran at the Portsmouth defence before firing over from long-range.

The hosts appealed for a penalty when Nwankwo Kanu's shot hit Taylor on his heel and then struck his arm but referee Phil Dowd dismissed their protests.

Taylor went straight up the other end and nearly broke the deadlock with a bicycle kick from Geremi's cross.

Another careless error by James, who threw the ball out straight to Geremi, gave the Newcastle midfielder a chance but his strike from 30 yards cleared the bar.

Defoe should have put Portsmouth ahead in the 52nd minute. The England striker got clear of Abdoulaye Faye to meet Sulley Muntari's cross but his close-range volley went wide.

Portsmouth scented a chance to take control and Glen Johnson hit a ferocious shot that deflected just wide off Defoe.

Johnson was the catalyst for Portsmouth again with a run and pass to Muntari, who released Defoe to force Steve Harper into a fine save.

Owen had a glorious chance to give Newcastle the lead midway through the second half, but he somehow shot straight at James from point blank range and the keeper instinctively tipped over.