Nicky Butt is worried about the direction that Newcastle United is heading.

The former Manchester United star says the club needs to start pushing forward in a bid to remain in the top flight and it starts this weekend with a crucial home game against Arsenal.

"We have gone backwards in the last few years and we are under no illusions what we have to do," Butt told The Independent.

"We have some massive games ahead. We have to keep this club in the Premier League.

"We need to put this season to bed and kick on next season. You seem to say that a lot at Newcastle."