Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton believes the team spirit at St James' Park has helped the Magpies get out of their Premier League slump.

Sam Allardyce's side have taken seven points from their last three games after a poor run of form and are now up to 10th in the table, ahead of Sunday's visit of bottom club Derby.

"We've great team spirit. We all went to Edinburgh last week and everyone got to know each other a little better," Barton told The Mirror.

"There's a real togetherness in the squad and that's showed in recent games.

"This team is starting to believe and with the ability we've got we can keep marching up the table.

"It was great to get my first goal, but I'm more happy for the team as it got us the win. That's two late wins in a row and you have to praise the lads for not giving in and keeping on fighting until the end."