Monday 26 February 2018 08:40, UK
Jamaal Lascelles insists Newcastle will stay in the Premier League and says having Rafael Benitez as manager gives the squad confidence over their rivals.
The Magpies are just two points clear of the relegation zone after throwing away victory at Bournemouth on Saturday, conceding twice in the final 10 minutes to draw 2-2.
Despite that, Newcastle's recent form in the league has improved and victory over Manchester United in their last home game appears to have given the club fresh belief in the battle for top-flight survival.
"Since the manager has been here, the club has been on the rise and the city has been really upbeat," Lascelles said.
"Things have been really going well so we are going to try and keep it that way. At the minute we are playing really good football.
"We wish we were in a better position than we are but there are still 10 games left and the way we are playing I think we are going to be more than safe.
"Everyone is really confident with each other and with a manager like this behind us that brings even more confidence.
"It is really tight. There are a lot of teams in it and it is a tough league. It has probably not kicked off as much as it normally does, it is normally one or two teams that have gone already.
"We can't focus on other teams. We have got to make sure that we take the games step by step and prepare things the right way.
"We are playing good football, now it comes down to personality and character."
Lascelles was speaking at the North East Football awards, where won the Player of the Year, sharing the honour with team-mate Matt Ritchie.
